On Saturday, some 1,500 Mormons resigned from the Church of Latter-day Saints in protest of the church's new policy declaring same-sex couples apostate and banning children of same-sex relationships from being baptized.

"We had an incredible turnout," said attorney Mark Naugle, who was on hand to help process resignation letters. "I was slammed for three hours. Some people stood in line for an hour and a half."

Judging from news photos on the scene in Salt Lake City, the action attracted members old and young. Many were gay and trans, but some were family members or simply allies fed up with the church's exclusionary regulations.

Naugle says he will deliver the letters to LDS headquarters on Monday.

Issued last week, the new guidelines prohibit the biological or adopted offspring of same-sex parents from receiving a name and a blessing in the church until they have turned 18 and left their parents' care.

At that point, they must also renounce their parents' relationship to receive the rite.

"The fact that it affects children really upset people," said Naugle. "Most people are disaffected from the church already, and this was the final straw."

The Church attempted to soften its message on Friday by clarifying that the policy only applies to children whose "primary residence" is with a same-sex couple. And children already baptized will not see their ordination revoked.

We're sure that gives them tons of comfort.

h/t: Advocate