Religion Getting myself un-baptised.

[Chief]

I suppose - I just didn't think that much about it.

The tone in the email to the church is required - you have to show you really don't want to be on their books any more. Sam Harris sent them a full anti-Catholic rant, or so I read. They don't seem to just do it on request. Maybe someone else could try it and see if they'll do it if you just ask them nicely and give no particular reason.

Like I said, pointless is relative. I wanted to see what the process was because people seemed to think you had to be really nasty or kill a child* before they'd let you out. Now I can categorically say all you have to do is send an email to your diocese, nicely and calmly rejecting the church's core beliefs.


(* Although it turns out they will bounce you if you kill an unborn child, but not for plain old murder.)

 

[Caesar]

Oh don't get me wrong, I thought your email was quite civil despite being forceful. I did think throwing in little phrases like "so-called sacraments" and "blessings supposedly bestowed" was a little... unnecessary.

But I'm nitpicking. I'm sure people have sent far more vitriolic renunciations.

 

[skipper kelly]

That's what I'm wondering. The "those looking to be personally affronted" part was a bit facetious.

Ah yes. The old I was only kidding.

 

[Chief]

Oh don't get me wrong, I thought your email was quite civil despite being forceful. I did think throwing in little phrases like "so-called sacraments" and "blessings supposedly bestowed" was a little... unnecessary.

But I'm nitpicking. I'm sure people have sent far more vitriolic renunciations.

Thing is, there is no real information online about how to go about it. The fact that people think they need to poo in a bag and send it in with a ranty demand is down to the church keeping this process obscure.

I think I will register a domain and post the instructions for all to see. <- THAT is trolling, people. Learn to spot it.

 

[skipper kelly]

Do you feel any different now?

 

[Chief]

Should I?

 

[Corpuscles]

Got my certificate and a letter from the Bishop, no less! He knows my name *sigh*...

But seriously - The letter was full of sincere respect for me as a person, wishes of luck in my path to find truth etc. I'll post a copy when I get the chance, for those interested, and those looking to be personally affronted or what not.

I would be most interested in seeing copy of the letter and a scan of the certificate. Please

 

[Chief]

Have blacked out identifying information for fear of fundie terrorist actions.

 

[Chief]

But unfortunately, you can't reverse it.

The letter I have says it can be revoked - see above.

 

[Caesar]

I think what tandino meant is that you can't reverse your baptism.

 

[Malifice]

Fascinating.

 

[Chief]

I think what tandino meant is that you can't reverse your baptism.

Ah! True.

 

[theGimp]

Cosmic Jewish Zombie.

You see, It's funny cos it's true.

 

[Corpuscles]

Have blacked out identifying information for fear of fundie terrorist actions.

http://img203.imageshack.us/f/afdletter.jpg/

Thanks for posting that Chief.
(During the delay ...I was thinking it might be imaginary).

It validates the thread and your actions. Clearly a renunciation of membership of a mere 'club'

The big issue however is Catholics having to get anullment(sp?) before they can re marry (which in some countries very difficult)! That is rediculous!

Mrs Chief ( if she is a Catholic) ought be delighted!

 

[sen entertainment bloke]

What a load of. lol

 

[Chief]

It validates the thread and your actions. Clearly a renunciation of membership of a mere 'club'

The process seemed to be unknown or unclear to many. I thought I'd try and see what you actually had to do.

Turns out it is easy. More people should try it.

In fact, I believe that renouncing membership of a club is one of the best forms of protest. Anyone who has been baptised Catholic and is upset with the Catholic Church's practices should deeply consider registering their dissatisfaction in this tangible manner. As you can see, this can be revoked so you can take up membership again at a later date.

The big issue however is Catholics having to get anullment(sp?) before they can re marry (which in some countries very difficult)! That is rediculous!

That's the trouble with a theocracy.

Mrs Chief ( if she is a Catholic) ought be delighted!

As you can see in my initial email (posted earlier), Mrs Chief is of no religion.



In summary, to officially leave the Catholic Church:

1. Find the contact details for your diocese here: http://www.catholic.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1119&Itemid=63

2. Send an email like this one, perhaps including other reasons for leaving if there is a specific Church activity or policy you are unhappy with: http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=759080

3. Accept or reject an offer of a pastoral meeting. You're getting high up the chain here, so you may want to use this meeting to reinforce your reasons for cancelling your membership.

4. Once you have confirmed you're leaving the church you will receive a certificate and your baptism record will be changed to record your defection.

5. If you change your mind later you can ask for the defection to be revoked and your membership will be reinstated.

 

[Catch 22]

Have blacked out identifying information for fear of fundie terrorist actions.

I bet these have gone straight to the pool room.

 

[Malifice]

Nice form from the Catholic Archdeacon in the Letter.

Seems a nice enough Chap.

 

[sen entertainment bloke]

Nice form from the Catholic Archdeacon in the Letter.

Seems a nice enough Chap.

He does actually. Very amusing the way he got 'the year of our lord' in. Don't think chief is out yet. If he accepts it, they still have him by the short and curlys. He still needs religion to say what day he got out of religion.

 

[Malifice]

He still needs religion to say what day he got out of religion.

Didnt think of that.

I like this reasoning.

Good chance he still celebrates Christmas as well.

 

[Chief]

No, I don't 'need' religion to do anything. This is a cancellation of membership in their eyes. I haven't been a member for over a decade (maybe two).

There seems to be some confusion about this process. The main driver for undertaking it was curiosity after reading about other people doing it, and the lack of information surrounding it. Everything else, other reasons for doing it, is after the fact.

And yes, Christmas is cool. Pity they have to God it up with all the Jesus crap.

 

[Malifice]

And yes, Christmas is cool. Pity they have to God it up with all the Jesus crap.

I went the full Monty and kicked Christmas into touch a long time ago.

Invariably a depressing time of the year. Fun as a kid though before I knew what all the fuss was about.

My Roman Catholic girlfriend has issues with this (particularly the 'what if we have kids later on' argument).

For what its worth, I dont pray either (not even at funerals or ANZAC day).

Of course, I dont celebrate Ramadan, cover myself in Woad in order to enter a Berserk rage prior to Battle, worship Cows, or attept to send telpathic messages to Xenu the Alien Overlord to purge my Thetans when a friend dies either.

It all evens up in the end.

 

[Chief]

I bet these have gone straight to the pool room.

Actually I lost them for a while there. Found them in The Pile on the desk, tucked into a notebook, after 20 minutes of searching. Now they have been posted for posterity they can sink back to the bottom of The Pile.

 

[H2F]

I find Chief's passion for denouncing the existance of a God fascinating in that he clearly does it to seek out a fabric of doubt he has. Chief I love your problem solving drive and arrogance, love it, but wish I could figure out the way you need someone to argue the point to spark your interest.

I am the same as you on this except (obviously a tad smarter) as I have realised the opposite is true. Let me know the exact angle you need some evidence and I think I can set your genius mind onto a path of peace.

I understand your passion for proving this one way or another, but haven't been able to identify the way you need to be shown you are wrong on this.

 

[Blues_Man]

Genes: How were they created?.. random chance eh? Feathers, petals of all shapes, fur, skin, eyes, gender etc etc .....all by accident

Where are the feathered monkeys? Where did the two extra genes come from between the 'ancestoral monkey' and humans?

Read up on Alton Harp. An eminent astronomer with outstanding case against current "red shift" interpretation.

Hubbles Constant...so what ....we think the universe is expanding.

Derrrr... 15 Billion eh???...how do you work that out?... and do you understand any of your so called "21 century" dribble...or did your teacher tell you it is FACT!?

Your parents did a fine job of brainwashing on you

Most kids believe in Santa Claus and the tooth Fairy and the boogie man ...but then they grow up and gain enough intelligence to realise that it's all just made up garbage ...it's about time some of you god botherers did the same thing .

How anyone would want to associate themselves with a corrupt institution like the catholic church is baffling .....it's like .."yes all those kiddy fiddlers and bishops that cover up their dirty little secrets are the people i look up to and admire "

Get some sense of worth.