Shirtless missionary calendar released

A dozen Mormon missionaries are again taking off their trademark white shirts for a calendar that seeks to strip away stereotypes about their church.

The 2009 version of the Men on Mission calendar was released Thursday — two months after its creator was excommunicated by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for producing this year's calendar.

"I know they did what they thought was right," Chad Hardy said.

The calendar was intended to shake up the straight-laced, cookie-cutter Mormon stereotype that doesn't fit many in the church.

"People like me are bound to stereotypes that don't fit," Hardy said. "I think we can all have the same faith and still have different outlooks."

Hardy was excommunicated July 13 by a panel of church leaders for conduct unbecoming a member of the church.

The 2009 calendar includes a disclaimer that it is not associated with or endorsed by the Salt Lake City-based church.