Over my 64 year life span, many friends and family have invited me to attend their baptism.  Several times, they even asked me to speak during the program.  Baptism is a significant event.  What an honor it is to support my friends as they take a new direction in life.

Last week, a friend invited me to attend a similar event—an unbaptism.  He even asked me to speak during the program.  Unbaptism is a significant event.  What an honor it is to support my friends as they take a new direction in life.

Invitation With a Warning

Along with his invitation, my friend also offered a friendly caution:

“Be sure to take stock of the possible effect on your membership.  Be sure to take stock of the effect on your many FB friends — many will likely attack your decision to participate in this event — even if your message is NOT specifically to resign.”

I really appreciate my friend’s care and concern.  So, dear friend, let me reassure you that I’ll be OK.

1. I’m not worried about my membership. As a church, we don’t believe in shunning.  Elder Holland has taught this in no uncertain terms.  If someone decides to leave the church, I respect and honor their decision just as much as I do the decision to join the church.
2. My Facebook friends? Could I be attacked by them?  Well…maybe.  It’s certainly happened many times before.   But, they are my friends.  I’ll still view them and love them as my friends.
3. “Even if your message is NOT specifically to resign.”  I want to be very clear on this one.  I don’t encourage people to resign.  I encourage people to do what THEY feel is best for them and their families.  I don’t possess enough self-importance to presume that I know what’s best for anyone, but myself, regarding religion.  I do possess enough self-confidence to support and validate others in the path they choose.

Details of the unbaptism event can be found HERE.