Removing name from records of the Church

[SoonerCoug]

I have a logistical question. When you remove your name from the records of the Church, do they really remove your information from their records, or do they keep everything?

My money is on them keeping everything forever--maybe in the H-bomb-proof Granite Mountain Vault. Or maybe in a computer.

I realize some might regard this as a conspiracy theory, but I can't fathom the possibility that the Church wouldn't want everything on file somewhere. For example, if someone were to leave the Church and then be re-baptized, I am pretty darn sure the Church would reinstate all the old info.

[woot]

I have a logistical question. When you remove your name from the records of the Church, do they really remove your information from their records, or do they keep everything?

My money is on them keeping everything forever--maybe in the H-bomb-proof Granite Mountain Vault. Or maybe in a computer.

I realize some might regard this as a conspiracy theory, but I can't fathom the possibility that the Church wouldn't want everything on file somewhere. For example, if someone were to leave the Church and then be re-baptized, I am pretty darn sure the Church would reinstate all the old info.

The church got sued a while back for making it overly difficult to resign from the church. Apparently it was pretty common for them to convene a church court and "fire" the would-be quitter. When I resigned it was a pretty straight-forward process.

That's probably not helpful, but I am thinking that the church might have gone straight on this stuff, given their legal issues in the past with it.

[SoonerCoug]

The church got sued a while back for making it overly difficult to resign from the church. Apparently it was pretty common for them to convene a church court and "fire" the would-be quitter. When I resigned it was a pretty straight-forward process.

That's probably not helpful, but I am thinking that the church might have gone straight on this stuff, given their legal issues in the past with it.

How long ago did you have your name removed?

[kccougar]

Since a person's "record" consists of not much more than a membership number, dates of ordinances performed, and where you served your mission, I imagine the data is still stored in a dead letter file somewhere. However, that file is no longer linked to other family names, wards, addresses, etc.

[SoonerCoug]

Since a person's "record" consists of not much more than a membership number, dates of ordinances performed, and where you served your mission, I imagine the data is still stored in a dead letter file somewhere. However, that file is no longer linked to other family names, wards, addresses, etc.

They save more than that in SLC. Are you saying that letters about sealing canellation aren't saved?

[kccougar]

They save more than that in SLC. Are you saying that letters about sealing canellation aren't saved?

No, I'm sure that's in there. It's just that it is no longer available to follow you around.

I think people confuse "having your name removed from the records of the church" with expunging all evidence of past involvement.

[SoonerCoug]

No, I'm sure that's in there. It's just that it is no longer available to follow you around.

I think people confuse "having your name removed from the records of the church" with expunging all evidence of past involvement.

Would evidence of past involvement not be considered a record?

I just find it fascinating that so many Mormons are libertarian in their attitudes about government while simultaneously allowing the Church to irrevocably own very personal details about their lives.

[woot]

How long ago did you have your name removed?

Either late 2008 or sometime in 2009, I think. Whenever all the Prop 8 stuff started up, as that is what finally drove me to do it.

[SoonerCoug]

Either late 2008 or sometime in 2009, I think. Whenever all the Prop 8 stuff started up, as that is what finally drove me to do it.

Would you let me rebaptize you to see what happens with your church record?

[woot]

Would you let me rebaptize you to see what happens with your church record?

You're thinking it'll just reappear with all the old info? I wouldn't doubt it. I mostly just didn't want to be part of the 13 million or whatever inflated number the church likes to proclaim. I don't care too much about them not throwing everything away.

[SoonerCoug]

I don't care too much about them not throwing everything away.

That's because you don't have an ex-wife.

[beelzebabette]

That's because you don't have an ex-wife.

Have you also requested whatever government issued your marriage license expunge their records as well?

[woot]

That's because you don't have an ex-wife.

Um yeah I do.

Are you worried about her stalking you or something?

[SoonerCoug]

Have you also requested whatever government issued your marriage license expunge their records as well?

Have you ever had a sealing cancelled? They have you write letters, and some people send salt lake very detailed letters. My ex-wife sent salt lake a 50-page novel about our marriage--far more detail than any divorce documents the government would have.

[SoonerCoug]

Um yeah I do.

Are you worried about her stalking you or something?

No. I just don't like the idea of the Church owning a one-sided story about our marriage. They did give me a chance to write a letter, but my letter was about 3 sentences. I basically answered the questions:

1. Yes, I am OK with her getting resealed (as if my opinion should really matter since it's HER life...)
2. No, she doesn't have any debts.
3. We got divorced because of irreconcilable differences.

I think there was one other question, but I don't remember. That was the gist of my letter. My bishop held her letter up to me, and it was as long as a masters thesis. Then he complained that my letter was too short and that it would make it more difficult for President Hinckley to make a decision.