BB-7-R1
I, Teresa J. Buford, hereby resign my membership in Peoples Temple Christian Church. I am resigning because my beliefs and activities are at variance with the beliefs and activities of Peoples Temple Christian Church, and Jim Jones, the pastor of said church. I have no criticism of the church or of the beliefs or standards of the Peoples Temple Christian Church. My only reason for resigning is that I do not feel that I can uphold these beliefs and my current activities take up too much of my time.
I have been treated fairly with justice and love by Pastor Jim Jones and the members of Peoples Temple. At no time have I had any reason to be unhappy or to disagree with any of the treatment that I have received.
Signed Teresa J. Buford
Witness______
Witness______
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BB-7-AA6
Dear Pastor Jones,
In that my religious beliefs have changed and because my own activities would not fall in line with the principles of the church I feel that it is only just that I resign from the church membership. This doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what the church has done for me. I wish to thank you, Pastor Jones, for all the help this church has done for me.
Respectfully,
Teresa J. Buford
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BB-7-AA52
Dear Pastor,
Due to a change in my lifestyle I would like to resign from this church. Thank you for the help you gave me when I was on drugs. I just can’t uphold church anymore.
Respectfully,
Teresa J. Buford
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BB-7-AA57
(Transcriber’s note: The mention of an arson at a Temple location dates this to 1974.)
Dear Pastor Jones,
I’m sorry to have to write this letter but I think that the time has come that I parted with Peoples Temple. Not that you haven’t done a lot of good for me ‘cause I know that you have; taking me off of drugs, helping me with school, etc. But your peaceful approach to everyone has me so frustrated that I don’t want to hang around anymore. I’m talking about the Muslims now. I think that they burned down the Temple and I don’t see why we have to tolerate that kind of shit. I’m tired of looking at them and I’m sick of being nice to people that I hate. You say that there is good to be found in every man but there isn’t any in them.
The only way that I can do the things that I think ought to be done is to leave cause I know that you will try to change my mind if I stay. Don’t try cause you can’t change my mind now. Maybe someday you’ll understand that kindness doesn’t always pay off.
Sincerely,
/s/ Teresa J. Buford
Teresa J. Buford