President's Message

It's hard to improve upon the President's Message written by our outgoing President, Chad Spjut. It's also hard to communicate to him our deepest thanks for all the work he has done for the Exmormon Foundation, and for the countless hours he has spent helping with local activities -- and counseling and communicating with so many people who are in pain over a decision to leave the church. He has been a rock for many people.

Of the current Board members, I am probably the one who has been involved with the Exmormon Community the longest, and I can well remember when it was one email list, one chat Board. I found them through a serendipity moment when I met a young woman who had left the church within that last year or two. I had not left the church yet, but knew it was coming. We became great friends, and she introduced me to the community. It was a true life saver for me, as I soon was dealing with very painful family issues, and the loss of the friends I'd had within the church.

The community of former Mormons has since then developed into a "wondrous thing to behold". The level of scholarship and research that has gone into many of the newer web sites is something to be very proud of, and it just keeps growing through the volunteer efforts of some of the most honest, ethical people I have ever known. Each website has it's own special approach, and it's own message. People find them many different ways, and our presence on the internet has finally grown to a point where almost anywhere a questioning person might go to research the church, they will be lead to an interconnection of sites that brings them the information they are seeking.

The Exmormon Foundation (which grew out of the original handfull of people who found each other on the internet over twelve years ago) is proud to be part of this "family", and specifically proud of the annual Exmormon Foundation Conference, held every October in Salt Lake City. Through this Conference, many people get to mingle for the first time with the Exmormon family, and at the same time gain important information from the scheduled speakers. Many have expressed that the weekend has been a life-changing time for them. We have pledged to make the Conference a place of safety for new people, and a source of strength that can be taken back into their personal lives. If we have provided only one person the safety and renewed strength needed to continue with the changes they are making in their life, we would consider our efforts a success!

We offer a heartfelt hello and promise of support and friendship to anyone who comes here for information and support. Please feel free to write if you have a question or need information. We are here to help make the journey just a little easier.

Sue Emmett
President
The Exmormon Foundation