Home > How do I leave the church?
How do I leave the church?
Count me out! Take a stand for church-state separation
How?
In order to formally leave the church you need to complete a "Declaration of Defection" form. We have automated this process so that, in 3 steps and with only simple details, we can produce all the required documentation. We also generate an accompanying cover letter that you are free to alter as you see fit. Alternatively, you can download a blank PDF
http://www.countmeout.ie/samples/DeclarationOfDefection.pdf
or HTML copy
http://www.countmeout.ie/samples/DeclarationOfDefection.htm
of the form and fill it in yourself.
The defection process is as follows:
1. Click the button on the right and complete the 3 step process. Only basic information is required;
2. Download & print the documents and fill in the remaining personal details;
3. If you have access to your birth or baptismal certificates you may want to include a photocopy, along with a copy of your photo ID;
4. Post or fax the completed documents to the diocese address or fax number that we provide (or find your diocese details here);
5. It will be noted in the baptismal register of your parish of birth that you have "Defected". Following this, you may receive confirmation that your request has been processed (why not send us a copy? All of your personal details will be blanked out);
6. You have now formally defected from the church.
Why would someone want to perform this act? Read some of our reasons or find out the implications of performing a defection and the answers to the most common queries in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Forum posts
22 October 2009, 19:55, by Amerikagulag
Wowee! This is GREAT Solve. Thanks.
I once contacted the Chicago Archdiocese about rescinding my baptism, but they couldn’t give me any information about how to go about it. i found that strange. This will take care of it splendidly.
24 October 2009, 20:11
Why would I do that?
The Church has never taxed me
It has never arrested me
It has never made laws against me
It has never threatened me
It has never stolen from me
I could go on ad infinitum
Within the Church, everything is voluntary
Look at what has replaced the church
and tell me if you like that better.