What is an ex Mormon support group
An ex Mormon support group is a community resource for people who have left or are leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These groups offer a mix of emotional support, practical advice, and space to process experiences that can be difficult to discuss within faith communities. Some groups are religious in nature, others are secular, and many focus on relationships, identity, and navigating life after Mormonism. They vary widely in format, size, and structure, including in person meetings, online forums, peer moderated discussions, and professionally led groups.
Why people leave the LDS church
People leave the LDS church for a wide range of personal, ethical, and social reasons, including doctrinal disagreement, confusion over historical or policy changes, experiences of judgment or exclusion, and mismatches between their identity and church expectations. Issues around LGBTQ identity, women’s roles, racial teachings, and the historical narrative presented by the church often prompt deep questioning. For some, the decision to leave comes after years of doubt, while for others it follows a specific event or ongoing discomfort with church culture. Leaving can bring relief, grief, fear, and uncertainty all at once.
Practical benefits of ex Mormon support groups
Ex Mormon support groups help people translate a decision to leave into a sustainable, fulfilling life afterward. They provide nonjudgmental space to talk openly about beliefs, relationships, and moral dilemmas without fear of being corrected or shamed. Participants often gain access to practical resources, such as how to manage family expectations, handle financial or housing changes, and rebuild social networks outside of Mormon circles. Groups also normalize common emotional reactions, reducing isolation and helping people feel seen and understood.
Emotional support and validation
Many people leaving Mormonism experience loss, grief, and disorientation. Support groups offer consistent emotional check ins, peer validation, and reminders that their feelings are common and acceptable. This can be especially valuable when family or former friends are unsupportive or dismissive. Simply sharing experiences with others who understand the cultural and religious context can lower anxiety and increase resilience.
Information sharing and decision making
Groups often serve as clearinghouses for information about changing policies, dialogue with church leadership, and available community resources. Members exchange tips on counseling, legal or financial matters, education options, and how to approach conversations with loved ones still in the church. This collective knowledge helps people make informed choices aligned with their values and long term goals.
Common formats and settings
Ex Mormon support groups take many forms, and choosing the right format can affect how comfortable and effective the experience feels. Some are peer led and oriented toward social connection, while others are professionally facilitated, emphasizing therapy or coaching approaches. The size, meeting cadence, and tone of a group can vary significantly, so it helps to clarify your goals before joining.
In person groups
Local, face to face meetings are common in areas with larger populations of former Mormons. These groups might meet in homes, community centers, coffee shops, or rented spaces. In person formats tend to foster stronger bonds, though they can also feel more intense or confrontational for newcomers. Geographic reach is limited to those who can attend, and some people prefer the privacy and accessibility of remote options.
Online forums and communities
Digital groups offer flexible, low barrier entry for people who live far from urban centers or who want to remain anonymous. Platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and dedicated forums host ongoing conversations about doctrine, relationships, healing, and everyday logistics. Moderators often set guidelines to keep discussions respectful and supportive. Online groups can provide round the clock reassurance, but they may also vary in how structured or evidence based they are.
Professional and semi professional groups
Therapists, coaches, and peer educators sometimes run structured groups that combine emotional support with skill building. These groups may focus on topics like leaving with financial stability, setting boundaries with family, managing anxiety, or navigating dating after Mormonism. Participation can be more expensive but may offer clearer goals, trained facilitation, and a safer environment for sensitive topics.
Considerations before joining
Not every group will align with your values, goals, or comfort level. Some are explicitly secular, others retain spiritual language, and a few may emphasize certain political or cultural viewpoints. It is reasonable to ask about group culture, moderation practices, and how new members are welcomed. Visiting once or observing before committing can help you gauge whether a group feels supportive, respectful, and useful to your specific situation.
Table overview of key attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical meeting formats | In person, online text based, video calls, professionally facilitated | Community observations |
| Common topics | Doctrine questioning, relationships, boundary setting, finances, identity | Community reports |
| Potential benefits | Validation, practical resources, reduced isolation, informed decision making | Participant testimonials, counselor observations |
| Considerations | Varying tones, moderation quality, secular versus spiritual framing, accessibility | Participant reviews, moderator disclosures |
How to find a suitable group
Start by searching for ex Mormon groups near you or online, using clear keywords and community recommended spaces. Local meetups, Facebook groups, Reddit communities like r/exmormon, and forums on sites such as Discourse are common gathering places. If you prefer professional support, look for licensed therapists or coaches who list experience working with former Mormons. When possible, review group rules, moderation approaches, and participant feedback to find a match that respects your pace and boundaries.
Maintaining progress after groups
Support groups are one part of a broader ecosystem of resources that can help you build a stable, meaningful post Mormon life. Consider combining group participation with individual counseling, trusted friendships, educational materials, and practical planning around housing, work, and finances. Setting small, realistic goals, tracking your emotional patterns, and allowing time to redefine your identity can make the transition more sustainable. Many people find that with time, community, and self care, life after Mormonism becomes more aligned with their values and priorities.