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by John Walsh

Why do Mormons hound people to death? Why don’t you guys just leave me alone! I am not interested in your stupid church!

Jesus instructed his disciples to preach the gospel to every person in the world. (Matt. 28:19-20) Latter-day Saints accept this responsibility and eventually hope to knock on every door. However, while we invite people to come unto Christ, we do not force them or compromise their freedom to choose for themselves. If a person tells our missionaries "go away and do not come back," they will do so and move on to the next house. We believe that every person has the right to hear the gospel and then accept it or reject it for themselves. If you tell the missionaries that you are too busy to visit with them today, they will probably take you at your word and return later.

Church membership is an individual’s choice. If a member decides to leave the Church, he has the complete freedom to do so. However, as long as a person is on the membership rolls, he will continue to be contacted by a member of the Church, whether or not he attends regularly. If someone's home teacher stops by to bring a gospel message occasionally, despite the fact that the person has not attended in years, it is because he has not removed his name from the membership records. Latter-day Saints have a responsibility to love and care for each other regardless of a person's present status or activity.

If he desires no further contacts, he can write a letter to the Bishop of his local congregation and request his name be removed from the membership records. The Bishop will contact him to verify his request. If the person confirms his decision to leave the Church, his membership will be terminated and he will not be contacted again.

If you are being "hounded" by members of the Church, then it is because you have not taken the steps noted above.

(See Witnesses for God by Elder Henry B. Eyring; Response to Criticism home page; Accusatory Questions home page)