According to some estimates, LDS Church membership is more than 64% converts from other faiths. Growing up, I attended Methodist and Congregationalist meetings. I have also attended an Evangelical meeting at a mega-church. All of my family members are non-LDS except an Aunt on my Dad's side, and an adopted Cousin on Mom's side of the family. Living on the East Coast, most of my friends, co-workers, associates, etc are non-LDS. I also like and feel at ease with culture and people not of my faith.

I grew up protestant and attended weekly services. My grandfather was a Presbyterian minister. I have also attended a couple of Catholic masses for a couple of weddings I attended. The only members of my family that are Mormon are my sister and mother who joined after me. I have some non-LDS friends but am not too close to them anymore. The problem is that we do not share the same values. For example, I do not drink so most parties are uncomfortable. Mormon marriage receptions do not provide liquor. Also, much of my lifestyle is mixed up in the religion so we would not have as much in common. We would not talk about many things that might concern me such as our childrens values, friends, faithfulness to the church, etc. I know people of other religions that do not have a problem with their kids swearing. The Mormon religion is so much more non-superficial than most other organizations and philosophies. If I went to a therapist, I would only choose one that was Mormon. Otherwise there would be many things we could not discuss because the therapist would not understand.

1) I've been to services in a Catholic church, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, and another born again church that I can't remember the name... 2) On my side: 3 On my wife's side: 1 (6 who are members but are not active in the church) 3) Too many to count. 4) Yes. Although this one is a bit difficult to answer because membership in the LDS church often times transcends culture. I know many LDS and non-LDS Latinos, Polynesians, Brazilians, and Americans. I love their cultures regardless of their religious affiliation. I wouldn't simply define *not* being LDS a culture, in and of itself. 5) Almost always. The only time I would say no is when I have been to a party or social gathering and people are drinking. I will stay for about 2-3 hours. As soon as people start slurring their speech or slapping me on the back telling me how much they love me, that is my signal it's time to leave.

So many questions! 1. I've attended about a dozen church services for other faiths. Baptist, Assembly of God, Congregationalist, and one Protestant sect whose name escapes me. 2. My ancestors converted to the Church in the 1830s and 1840s, so the vast majority of my close cousins are LdS. My grandfather was inactive for a long time before I was born, but he returned to full activity and served as Bishop and Stake Patriarch. 3. My high school was almost 30% LdS, so I had non-LdS friends growing up. I currently reside in a place with a high LdS concentration, so most of my friends are also LdS. 4. I don't view culture as being non-LdS. Instead, I view Utah and a few other places as having a Mormon culture. Not everything has to be about religion, and not all religious aspects have to be LdS. I can appreciate the beauty and peace of a cathedral. I enjoy cultural museums. I listen to secular music and dance to it. One thing I do enjoy about Mormon culture is that there isn't as much foul language or public intoxication. 5. A while back I took a pleasure trip south of the border. During that week, I ran into one Mormon family - and they were from Utah. That didn't stop me from enjoying my trip. There were always non-alcoholic drinks available. I could easily avoid the red-light district. I could respectfully request cleaner language (or leave) if the situation should get offensive.

I am no longer accepted a 'Mormon' by the LDS Church however I attened every week (apart from illness of being away on holiday on the odd occation) from the last sunday in Dec 1998 to at least July 2008 - after then I have attened but with varied levels of 'activity' - now only accompanying my wife when she decides to go. My parents and brother and sister are members (that's the rest of my immidiate family) my wife is a disfelowshiopped member and two of her five brothers and sisters attend - the others do not attend and may no longer be members. I don't have many non-LDS friends (I don't have anyone I can call a close LDS friend either) because quite frankly it was hard to be a member and have friends that were not because of the difference in life style. Yes I like non-LDS people and cultures and generally feel at ease. However I do not feel at ease with LDS people and culture because they no longer accept me so I am no longer an integrated part of their organization.