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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir says she has resigned from the famed group over its decision to perform at next month's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Jan Chamberlin posted her resignation letter to choir leaders on her Facebook page Thursday. In it, she writes that by performing at the Jan. 20 inaugural, the 360-member choir will appear to be "endorsing tyranny and facism." She says she feels betrayed by the choir's decision to take part.
Church officials said that no choir members were compelled to participate in the performance.
"Participation in the choir, including the performance at the inauguration, is voluntary. Only a limited number of Choir members are participating (the number is limited by the inaugural committee),” said Eric Hawkins, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is unclear whether other choir members declined to perform in the upcoming inauguration.
Last week, Hawkins also clarified that the choir's tradition of presidential performances isn't "implied support of party affiliations or politics,” and acknowledged that reactions to the upcoming performance have been “mixed."
"The Choir’s participation continues its long tradition of performing for US Presidents of both parties at inaugurations and in other settings, and is not an implied support of party affiliations or politics,” Hawkins said in a statement. "It is a demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power.”
Contributing: Devon Dewey, KSL.com
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