exMormon

ExMormon is an informal label for a person who was raised in or joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and later ceased to be an active member. The term is common in online communities and casual speech, but it is not an official designation and some people prefer other terms.

Reasons for leaving vary and may include questions about church history and doctrine, perceptions of discrepancies between beliefs and church teachings, personal or moral concerns, or conflicts with church policies. The disengagement process ranges from voluntary resignation or name removal to formal excommunication in cases where membership is terminated by church authorities.

Ex-Mormon communities often form around shared experiences. These include online forums, blogs, podcasts, and local support groups where people discuss leaving, adjusting to secular life, or reconciling heritage with new beliefs. Some ex-members retain cultural ties to Mormon communities without continuing religious affiliation.

Demographic data on ex-Mormons is limited and estimates vary. Some people leave as adults, others drift away after childhood or adolescence, including those born into the church. Leaving can affect family relationships, friendships, and access to church services and rites.

Terminology around ex-Mormon is contested. Some prefer "former Latter-day Saint" or "former member of the LDS Church." Others view "ex-Mormon" as a neutral descriptor, while some within the LDS community use more pejorative terms such as "apostate." The label often reflects personal identity and context.