Initially, Mary Danzig thought it was all a big misunderstanding. But soon, her own devotion to the church came into question. She, too, felt unwelcome in the orchestra. Her parents wrote letters to church authorities, begging for an audience or at least some understanding. They were unsuccessful.
I felt like my world had come crashing down when Peter told me he might be excommunicated, said Mary Danzig, at the time a member of the Primary Presidency in her ward.
What would happen to my family in the eternities, in our community, in our extended family? I found myself coming completely unglued every Sunday. I spent a great deal of time hiding in the bathroom crying with my little girls.
Read more of Mary’s exit story at
Thank heavens, the Danzigs had the support of their extended family.
Rather than cowing anyone, the brethren lost a lot prestige trying to bully people who believed into the justice of their cause.