Janet Chamberlin, above, a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is reportedly getting hate messages for resigning from the choir in protest against its planned appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
According to this report, the choir’s acceptance of an invitation to sing at the event has divided Mormons, who largely backed Trump in the election despite their uneasiness with the Republican candidate during the campaign.
But Janet Chamberlin, a member of the 360-person choir, chose to quit after spending “several sleepless nights and days in turmoil and agony” as she prayed and reflected on her choice. She worries she would be:
Endorsing tyranny and (fascism) by singing for this man.
Chamberlin wrote in her resignation letter, which she later shared on Facebook.
I’ve tried to tell myself that by not going to the inauguration, that I would be able to stay in Choir for all the other good reasons. I have highly valued the mission of the Choir to be good-will ambassadors for Christ, to share beautiful music and to give hope, inspiration, and comfort to others.
I’ve tried to tell myself that it will be alright and that I can continue in good conscience before God and man. But it’s no use. I simply cannot continue with the recent turn of events. I could never look myself in the mirror again with self respect.
Chamberlin, who said her resignation was a “hugely moral issue,” said she’s received hateful messages since announcing her decision.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said her participation in Trump’s inauguration is not required, and the choir’s involvement is not a political statement but is instead:
A demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power.
Chamberlin, who sang with the choir for five years, said the choir had betrayed its message and its morals by agreeing to perform for Trump, whose transition team has been unable to attract many others to take part in the inauguration.
I only know I could never throw roses to Hitler. And I certainly could never sing for him.
Meanwhile, almost 25,000 people have signed a petition calling on the choir to boycott the inauguration. Another petition calling on the choir to support the Trump’s shindig has attracted a paltry 107 signatures.