David Archuleta's mother leaves LDS Church

In a heartfelt and candid letter shared with friends and family, the mother of David Archuleta opened up about the deeply personal and difficult decision to leave the faith. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic, the author expressed a desire for honesty and an opportunity to explain their reasons for stepping away.

The journey of this individual, who had served as the Music Coordinator in their local Ward, began with a profound sense of commitment and admiration for the church community. They spoke highly of the humble, loving, and accepting nature of the people they met, which only deepened their sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

However, the author’s perspective shifted when confronted with the experiences of their own family members who had left the church. Initially struggling to understand their loved ones’ decisions, the author resolved to remain faithful, regardless of who chose to depart. Their dedication encompassed attending the temple, paying tithing, and actively participating in church callings.

A pivotal moment in the author’s journey came when their son, David, visited their home and received a heartfelt letter from a group called “Mama Dragons.” Comprised of mothers supporting their LGBTQ children, the letters offered a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Moved by this outpouring of love, she invited David to attend Sacrament meetings, only to realize that the church’s stance on LGBTQ issues had caused him significant pain.

As the author grappled with their child’s suffering, they began questioning the church’s exclusionary approach towards the LGBTQ community. They expressed a deep belief in a loving God and found it difficult to reconcile that love with an exclusive doctrine. The pain they felt for their child led them to conclude that the church was not aligned with their core values.

In November 2022, the author made the courageous decision to step away from the church, informing their bishop in a heartfelt letter formally decided to sever their membership completely in March 2023.

The author emphasized their unwavering commitment to honesty and truth, stating that they could not continue supporting beliefs that conflicted with their newfound understanding. While acknowledging the potential loss of relationships with friends and family due to their departure, they expressed a sense of personal awakening and readiness to move forward.

It is important to note that this personal account reflects the experiences and beliefs of one individual and does not represent the views of the entire community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The decision to leave any religious organization is deeply personal and can vary greatly from person to person.

Leaving a faith community can be an emotional and challenging process, particularly when it involves loved ones. This individual’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and open dialogue when discussing sensitive topics and religious beliefs.

As communities continue to evolve, it becomes crucial to foster an environment of love and acceptance, where individuals can openly express their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment or exclusion.