Removing your name from LDS Church records

When I first left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I did not know if I would ever officially leave the church because I did not really see a point in it and thought that it might upset some people I know, and I had heard horror stories about how difficult it was to complete the process, sometimes even including hiring an attorney. It turned out that the only difficult hurdle to overcome was the mental one.

Once I left the LDS Church I knew I would never return, but the thought of having my record removed was a bit scary, for a lot of reasons. It was just such a big step, and oh so permanent. I logically knew that the Church was absolutely false and there was not possible way it could be anything other than a sham, but I still found it difficult to take the step of having my records removed because all of those years of brainwashing had left tendrils in my mind that were tough to overcome and I would thing, “What if I am wrong and the Church is true after all?”

Another fear was that everyone I know who is in the church would find out and that it would ruin our relationships, something that is a real fear for anyone who comes from an LDS family. By the time I had my records removed I did not care if everyone found out that I had left the church, and in fact I publicized the fact and let everyone know that I had become a born again Christian. I can understand the fear of being outed though, and while the leaders of the church are human and do things they should not sometimes, the church is not allowed to notify your family that you have removed your records.

I am sure that this is not the only way to have your records removed, but I sent a letter to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints member records department and asked to have my name removed, and I included as much information as I thought they might need as to expedite the process such as when and where I was baptized and my record number. I know that a lot of people have no idea what their record number is, especially if they have been away from the church for a long time, but if you have a patriarchal blessing, baptism certificate, temple recommend,etc. it should have the number. If you are unable to acquire your record number include as much information as you can, such as when and where you were baptized and by whom, any other ordinances you know about, your birth date, etc.

A week or so after I sent the letter I received a letter informing me that the records department could not remove my records without approval from the priesthood and that they had forwarded my request and a copy of their letter to the stake president and bishop of the stake and ward I would be in if I were attending.

A week or two later I received another letter from the records department, this time to inform me that I was no longer a member of the church and that if I wished to be re-baptized I could talk to the local leaders. The entire process took about a month, but it was fairly painless and the Stake president or bishop never tried to contact me, they just signed off on the request. I think it helped that I made it abundantly clear in my letter that I wanted nothing to do with the church past getting officially removed.

Good luck on getting your records removed, and if you need any help or advice don’t hesitate to contact me. Also, I am always looking for Ex Mormons who became Christians who are willing to be guests on my podcast, so if that is you please fill out the form on the contact page.

God Bless