SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — About 75 atheists, most of them former Mormons, marched Sunday around Temple Square in Salt Lake City during the faith’s general conference.
Many mailed resignations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the end of the walk that was dubbed “the Mormon exodus and mass resignation event” by Atheists of Utah president Dan Ellis.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the peaceful march took them through some 100 Mormon faithful singing “How Great Thou Art,” a hymn praising God.
Afterward, the demonstrators gathered at a nearby park to hear American Atheists president David Silverman tell them they’re “making it easier on closeted atheists who are afraid” to leave the Mormon church.
American Atheists will hold it national convention in Salt Lake City from April 17-20.
A group of Utah atheists and former Mormons march around the Salt Lake Temple Square during the Mormon church general conference Sunday, April 6, 2014, in Salt Lake City. About 75 atheists, most of them former Mormons, marched around Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Sunday. Many mailed resignations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the end of the walk that was dubbed "the Mormon exodus and mass resignation event" by Atheists of Utah President Dan Ellis. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)