Mormons Plan Mass Resignation from Church

A group of Mormons is planning a mass resignation from the church this weekend, according to a report from Reuters. And the church's antigay stance is surely playing a part.

Reuters says "several dozen" Mormons will gather in Salt Lake City Saturday and sign a "Declaration of Independence from Mormonism." But it also reports that more than 100 people have expressed interest to the organizers, John and Zilpha Larsen.

Reuters points out that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims more than 14 million members worldwide and that the Larsens say the numbers are inflated by people who no longer agree with its teachings but leave their names on the rolls to avoid consequences.

The Mormon Church has a long antigay history, but tensions were inflamed after it played a leadership role in funding and organizing an effort to pass Proposition 8 in California, banning same-sex marriage in that state.

Instead of leaving the church, a small movement within it is trying to change minds by staying. Mormons marched in gay pride parades in Salt Lake City and New York City this year. In New York, marchers held a sign proclaiming, "We love you. Sorry we're late."