Garrison
Hey there,
I totally get where you're coming from with thinking about leaving the church for tax reasons. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Advantages:
No More Church Tax: You won’t have to pay that church tax anymore, which can free up a decent amount of money, depending on your income and where you live.
Easy Process: Exiting the church is pretty straightforward. Just send a written notice to your local church, and you don't even need to give a reason.
Access to Certain Services: You can still have a religious funeral if needed, although the pastor has the final say.
Disadvantages:
Loss of Membership Rights: Once you leave, you forfeit your membership rights, like voting in church matters and participating in community events.
Limited Access to Ceremonies: You might find it harder to arrange church weddings or religious education for your kids after leaving, which could be a big deal.
Social Connections: If your social circle is tied to the church, leaving could mean losing those connections, which can feel isolating.
Complications if You Rejoin: If you ever want to come back, it’s not as simple as just saying you want to. You’d have to go through a re-entry process and start paying taxes again.
Hope that helps you weigh your options! Good luck!