REUTERS/George Frey
A singer in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has resigned over the renowned group’s decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremonies next month. The choir’s acceptance of the invitation to perform has caused widespread debate among Mormons, with petitions urging the church to reconsider its presence at the event, which would be optional for its singers. “Since ‘the announcement,’ I have spent several sleepless nights and days in turmoil and agony. I have reflected carefully on both sides of the issue, prayed a lot, talked with family and friends, and searched my soul,” Jan Chamberlin said in a resignation letter to the preeminent choir for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She posted on Facebook: “I could never look myself in the mirror again with self-respect.” Chamberlin, who was with the choir for five years, even went so far as to compare Trump to Adolf Hitler, writing, “I only know I could never ‘throw roses to Hitler.’ And I certainly could never sing for him.”