How would that make you feel?! The ramifications of not belonging are grave. I had prepared for years, so when it finally happened to me … I knew better than to believe the title of this post. Regardless, it was still fucked up!

I thought they would be loving and forgiving once they heard from you, but, instead, they could only think of punishment. When given an opportunity to speak on your behalf, I tried to defend you and indicated what a wonderful young man you were, but it appeared that no one was interested in any of my comments. When a vote was taken to sustain President [name undisclosed]’s decision to excommunicate you from the church, I was the only person to vote against his proposal. Everyone else voted to sustain his decision. President [name undisclosed] indicated that he would proceed without my support. A church court is supposed to be a court of love, not of punishment. I felt that the decision was wrong then, and I continue to believe that the stake president rushed to judgment and made a terrible mistake.–T.L.

My excommunication would serve me well, however. Even though it totally topsy-turvied my life back then, it forced me to start living on purpose. It set me up to discover myself, my beliefs, and my own power.

Read all about the taboo process (with insider detail) in Reclaimed, “Mormon No More” (58).

Please know you’re not alone. If you feel courageous enough to share your own “not belonging,” I will respect your vulnerability, and commend you regardless.

We’re in this together … as your fellow brother, I honor your journey.

Love,

Ray