Signing For Something

Posted by: Andee / Category: ,


Thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers, SigningForSomething.org is online and ready to go. I can't say enough about the people who took time out of their busy lives to put this together, the work I did compared to their hard work isn't even comparable. They worked harder, they were more organized, and they didn't let the setbacks get them down.

SigningForSomething.org is a place where you can go and share your thoughts about the Mormon Church's recent efforts to ban gay marriage in California. Many of you know that the church asked Mormon Bishops to read a letter from the first presidency in all wards, asking it's members to push for the ban of gay marriage. Those who are among the committee of SigningForSomething.org believe that church officials over-stepped their bounds by asking this of it's members.

The issue of gay marriage is a heated debate. I have always been very vocal about equal rights for everyone in the United States of America, and I will stay vocal.

My point is this...

The church can believe whatever it wants. The people in the church can believe what they want... whether it's agreeing with the church, or disagreeing with the church about this political issue. If you think gay marriage is bad, and it's a big old sin... fine. That is your right as an American. Thing is, you don't have the right to tell other people what their rights should be. You shouldn't tell other people what to think or believe if they are not in your church. Forcing your beliefs on people is wrong... and that is exactly what the Mormon Church is doing.

If you go to the website, you can write a personal letter to leaders of the Mormon Church. There are helpful hints and examples of things you can use while writing your letter, but whatever you say is fine.

The idea originally started as a mass resignation effort to take place on July 24th. This has changed. We decided that instead of *just* a resignation effort (which is still something you are more than welcome to do if you feel it) it would be a place to send a letter of complaint. These letters of complaint can come from anyone. People who have never been in the church, people who have already resigned, people who are still believing the Mormon religion but are against the church's efforts, and those like me who feel this is the final straw and plan on resigning.

For those who want to resign (there is no pressure to do so... it is not necessary) the date has been changed to November 4th. This will give us more time to be organized, make sure all letters of resignation and complaint are valid, as well as give us time to get the word out. If you or any of your friends and family members are interested in letting the LDS leadership know they crossed the line, please go to SigningForSomething.org and share your letter. All letters will show on the website for other people to read. Your voice can, and will be heard.

I wish to thank everyone involved who helped my small, spur-of-the-moment idea turn into such a force. We now have the ability to ban together and make a difference. We have the ability to tell other people that basic rights belong to everyone, and there is no excuse to ban a group of people from marriage simply because of who they happen to fall in love with.

Thank you again everyone,
Andee


8 comments:

  1. Unknown Says:

    Awesome idea Andee! Because of your idea this has become a reality. Good for you in making a difference. I posted my letter to them last night. I really hope the site gets a ton of traffic and some media coverage, we need to show the church how wrong they are.

  1. Andee Says:

    Thank you Demand More! Without people like you, my idea would be nothing. It's everyone that is making the difference. Thank YOU!

    We have the momentum to really make a statement and impact. If we keep getting letters like we are now, there is no doubt in my mind that the church will have to take notice.

  1. Anonymous Says:

    I love that you did this! I am still trying to sort out whether or not I am ready to resign, but thank you so much for standing up and doing the right thing-even though sometimes it is hard.

  1. Andee Says:

    Truly Confused,

    I am glad I did it too! The feedback has been amazing, and I certainly can't even come close to taking full credit for this. There were so many people who helped... it's truly amazing.

    Take your time while deciding if you want to resign. I took my time! It's a very personal thing, and the beauty of the way we made the site is that you can still voice your opinion and remain in the church if you choose.

    Whatever you do will be right for you. :)

  1. Nicko Says:

    I truly hope that you can find time to write letters to 'explicit' human/civil rights violators (Governments) around the world. IF you need to see the action you can take I encourage you to log on to www.amnesty.org. Some truly horrific things happen that in my opinion totally eclipse any notion of humanity.

  1. Andee Says:

    Nicko,

    I am well aware of amnesty.org, as you have mentioned it before. I have been active in all kinds of equal rights, including the one you describe.

    Thanks.

  1. Anonymous Says:

    I found it very interesting that Signingforsomething.org allows only one point of view to be posted. Even the "Views that do not persuade us” section has been removed. It is certainly their right to l9mit points of view on your web page. It is hypercritical however, given the cry of “censorship” they level at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their volunteers are screening opposing views as “inappropriate and off topic.”
    The purpose of the web site became clear when I saw this in the “Welcome” e-mail:
    “IF YOU'RE RESIGNING “
    “Some members have expressed a desire to resign their membership over this issue. While we are not encouraging resignation from the Church, we recognize that members have this right. The website MormonNoMore.com is a resource for those who have asked for this information. We would remind those contemplating resignation of the serious nature and ramifications of such action.”
    Signingforsomething.org is passive –aggressiveness and very heavy on the aggressive side.
    Be well.

  1. Andee Says:

    RDWinmill,

    I am not sure why the person running the site directly took down the "views that do not persuade us" link. I forwarded this onto the rest of the committee to find out.

    You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but I disagree with your thoughts on the website.

    Be well.