Chad Hardy is preparing for 'Men on a Mission 2009'. The second edition of "Mormons Mxposed" -- a calendar featuring shirtless Mormon Missionaries.

Church concerned

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"It's progressive because they are daring to step outside of stereotype and an image that so many people hide behind."

Hardy says he's stepping up against the Mormon church. He says church leaders have asked him to stop production of the provacative pics.

Hardy says no can do -- he has business partners who are not of the Mormon faith.

"At least with me being in it I can control the messaging I can control how they portray I can make sure they keep this very positive that we're not making fun of the Mormon faith."

But Hardy who is a 6th generation Mormon -- was ex-communicated from the church Sunday after a disciplinary hearing.

Hardy admits he has distanced himself from the church in recent years and describes his relationship with the church -- as a marriage that didn't work.

"It's not like we were fighting it's just no longer in love, that's my feeling about the Mormon church however it's my heritage that's why I wanted to create this project."

A project Hardy hopes will open up dialogue within the Mormon church.

"What is so important image or truly being a good person and treating people with respect and having tolerance for people?"