Billionaire Resigns from Mormon Church, Gives $600K to LGBTQ Org: 'Leadership Is Not Honest'

Billionaire Jeff T. Green of Utah said he is donating $600,000 to an LGTBQ group after publicly announcing his resignation from the Mormon church, which he accused of "hindering global progress" on social issues.

Green, believed to be the wealthiest person from Utah, announced his departure from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a letter to its president, Russell M. Nelson, on Dec. 20, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

In his message, Green, the CEO and chairman of The Trade Desk, formally requested his records to be removed from the church, which is also known as LDS, more than a decade after he last participated in the organization.

"Although I have deep love for many Mormons and gratitude for many things that have come into my life through Mormonism, I have not considered myself a member for many years, and I'd like to make clear to you and others that I am not a member," Green, 44, wrote in the letter, obtained by the Tribune.

"While I left the Mormon church more than a decade ago — not believing, attending, or practicing — I have not officially requested the removal of my records, until now," he said.

Representatives for Green and the Mormon church did not immediately return PEOPLE's requests for comment.