December 28, 2003

Dear Stake President Hughes (and Bishop Buchanan);

     I am submitting to you my formal request to be released as a councilor in the Nampa 21st Ward Bishopric. I feel I need a break or "time-out" from the busy-ness of the church as I consider my life and beliefs.

     Please use caution in judging me as unable to "endure to the end". I am choosing to endure in a different way than some. I realize I am electing a very difficult course of action indeed.

This letter presents only a brief summary of the thoughts and feelings I've been experiencing over the past many months. For years I have studied, pondered, struggled and prayed about the dilemma of what to do with the tremendous changes that have occurred in my faith and testimony, including serious doubts about the divine calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, and about the Book of Mormon as inspired scripture. I cannot in good conscience continue to serve in a leadership capacity while questioning the Latter-Day Saint doctrines I've spent most of my life accepting as the truth. That would be extremely hypocritical. While I have in the past possessed what I considered to be a strong testimony of the gospel, I can no longer make that claim so far as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is concerned.

     The emphasis on "The Church" seems to have left little room for worshipping Christ and his Father; "The Church" seems to be the focus of devotion. Please understand that I do still believe in and regularly pray to our Heavenly Father, and continue to believe in and rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ as my only hope of salvation. That has not changed. My actions are not a desire to escape the "restrictions" some may feel are placed upon them by the church. Many of the principles found in the church I find beneficial and natural to follow, while many have become like the Law of Moses. Don't expect to see a big change in my lifestyle, or in how I treat others.

     Please don't misinterpret my decision or action as a result of any offense by any member of the ward or against anyone in particular. While I realize that my actions may have an influence on others, and especially my children, I do not intend any harm to others, nor do I have any inclination or desire to alter the faith of others.

     My wife and I have met with Bishop Buchanan regarding the persistent nature of these doubts we have both been experiencing concurrently, and we have exercised great patience in waiting for the Lord to guide us throught these times of waning faith. Of course, the standard "read the Book of Mormon and pray" advice was given, but that is precisely what created many of the questions and doubts.

     There may be some within the church who will suppose I am being deceived. That is their prerogative, but I have come to these conclusions after much prayer and contemplation, and have not done so hastily. I have come to understand that many of the points of doctrine in the LDS church I have accepted gradually over time without truly comprehending their significance.

I realize some may no longer feel comfortable remaining friends with me, yet I would hope that those who are true friends and disciples of Jesus Christ will avoid judgement and prejudice.

I would also request that I receive no attempts at intervention or well-intentioned persuasion by church leaders, as my decisions are my own and have been reached after careful consideration and prayer.

     Please do not be concerned that there has been some great transgression or misdeed that has resulted in my decisions. That is not the case. I have not come to this point in my life by being easily overcome by worldly influences and temptations. I have trusted in the Lord and give him the glory and the credit for having always been my source of strength through every adversity. I feel blessed far more than I should ever deserve.

Your brother in Christ,

Kenneth V. Wigg