Question: Did large numbers of people resign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resign because of its support of Prop 8?

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Question: Did large numbers of people resign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resign because of its support of Prop 8?

No evidence has been offered for this expansive claim

Throughout the history of the Church, some left the Church over new doctrines in Kirtland or Nauvoo, over strife in Missouri, over the initiation of polygamy, over the move West, over the repeal of polygamy, over the priesthood ban, over the repeal of the priesthood ban, over the Church's position on the ERA, and now over Proposition 8. The Church continues to survive and thrive.

Those that do seem to receive media attention for leaving the Church over this issue typically appear to be inactive members who left the Church "in spirit" long ago, but used this as an occasion to formalize their exit:

• Massachusetts. A "37-year-old" member "who had been inactive in the church since he left Utah at age 20, but who formally asked the church to remove his name from its rolls because of its support of Proposition 8."
• Massachusetts. A gay 32-year-old Boston resident who "also resigned after years as an inactive Mormon."

According to Church spokesman Michael Otterson, "All the reports we have received indicate that the vast majority of members solidly support the church position. A few may not, and that's their choice. But you could never describe it as a movement. You can only describe it as a ripple."

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