Jill Chamberlin, a singer in the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir, has resigned rather than perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
Her resignation comes amid a widespread debate over whether the choir should back out of its announced plan to perform in front of Trump on Jan. 20, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
"Since 'the announcement,' I have spent several sleepless nights and days in turmoil and agony," Chamberlin wrote in a resignation letter to the choir president and choir members.
She later posted the letter on Facebook.
"I have reflected carefully on both sides of the issue, prayed a lot, talked with family and friends, and searched my soul.
"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've tried to tell myself that it will be all right 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."
She maintained she has deep patriotic feelings, but claimed "tyranny is now on our doorstep."
"I only know I could never 'throw roses to Hitler.' And I certainly could never sing for him."
Participation in the choir and its performance at the Inauguration is voluntary, a church spokesman noted, according to the newspaper.
The choir has sung at the swearing-in ceremonies for George H.W. Bush, Richard Nixon and Lynton Johnson, according to the Tribune. It also performed in inaugural parades for George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.
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