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SirLance · 12-30-2006, 10:27 PM

So, after agonizing about it for months, I wrote a letter to my bishop (I was Roman Catholic). In my letter, I declared what is called a "Defection by Formal Act" in which I formally left the Roman Catholic Church.

I was raised Catholic, but I can't continue as a Catholic without being a serious heretic. When I finally filed for divorce from my first wife, it was because I was the only one trying, and it was clear to me she simply wasn't interested in saving our marriage.

That's where I am with the Church. For reasons I am not comfortable disclosing, it is clear to me that I am the only one in our "relationship" who is making an effort. And, the fact is, for me to sit there and pretend to believe in all of the dogma and ritual would be heresy.

I think I'd be wrong to stay. So why do I feel wrong to leave?

This is a hard decision. I believe in God, and in Jesus, with all my heart. But I have no faith in the Catholic Church.

Part of me wants to go back. I am so torn. Yes, I was raised Catholic, and that's part of it. Even when something is wrong, if it's part of your life long enough it's hard to let go.

Any advice on letting go? Or, should I seriously rethink this?

12-30-2006, 10:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
SirLance Junkie Location: In the middle of the desert.	A Formal Act of Defection So, after agonizing about it for months, I wrote a letter to my bishop (I was Roman Catholic). In my letter, I declared what is called a "Defection by Formal Act" in which I formally left the Roman Catholic Church. I was raised Catholic, but I can't continue as a Catholic without being a serious heretic. When I finally filed for divorce from my first wife, it was because I was the only one trying, and it was clear to me she simply wasn't interested in saving our marriage. That's where I am with the Church. For reasons I am not comfortable disclosing, it is clear to me that I am the only one in our "relationship" who is making an effort. And, the fact is, for me to sit there and pretend to believe in all of the dogma and ritual would be heresy. I think I'd be wrong to stay. So why do I feel wrong to leave? This is a hard decision. I believe in God, and in Jesus, with all my heart. But I have no faith in the Catholic Church. Part of me wants to go back. I am so torn. Yes, I was raised Catholic, and that's part of it. Even when something is wrong, if it's part of your life long enough it's hard to let go. Any advice on letting go? Or, should I seriously rethink this? __________________ DEMOCRACY is where your vote counts, FEUDALISM is where your count votes.