Most people who leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not formally resign their membership or join another faith, according to new analysis of religious affiliation data. The pattern suggests ex-Mormons are more likely to become religiously unaffiliated than to switch denominations.

Researchers note that while many former members don't return to activity, they also don't take the formal step of resignation—a process the church requires for official removal. The "middle space" of inactive but not resigned members complicates official membership counts.

The findings align with broader trends showing Americans leaving organized religion are increasingly unlikely to join another tradition. For ex-Mormons specifically, the high-demand nature of LDS practice may make lower-commitment alternatives less appealing than no religious affiliation at all.