With all of this business about church discipline and excommunication, I would like to share my views on 1) is it all right to question in the Church, 2) what is the process and rational for excommunication, and 3) what is the future for members who choose this path.

Is It All Right To Question In The Church?

Yes. Questions are encouraged. Joseph Smith asked a question that the heaven’s anxiously awaited and went all giddy over. S. Michael Wilcox teaches about the “Ask God Doctrine” where he will offer a whole long chain of examples where questions are good, encouraged, and met with more knowledge and greater glory (you can even discover all of them yourself as you search the scriptures—it’s a wonderful learning process, and I highly recommend it).

When I began researching the Relief Society history of the Church, I learned about the “turning of the key” to the women. In my reading, I ran across some discord in some of the articles where even women in that early day wondered exactly what all that really meant. Some women have thought over the years that Emma and her counselors were actually ordained to the priesthood. Pres. John Taylor clarified that important distinction:

“I was in Nauvoo at the time the Relief Society was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I was present on the occasion…At that meeting the Prophet called Sister Emma to be an elect lady. That means that she was called to a certain work; and that was in fulfillment of a certain revelation concerning her. She was elected to preside over the Relief Society, and she was ordained to expound the scriptures. In compliance with Brother Joseph’s request I set her apart, and also ordained Sister Whitney…and Sister Cleveland…to be her counselors. Some of the sisters have thought that these sisters mentioned were, in this ordination, ordained to the priesthood. And for the information of all interested in this subject I will say, it is not the calling of these sisters to hold the Priesthood, only in connection with their husbands, they being one with their husbands. Sister Emma was elected to expound the scriptures, and to preside over the Relief Society.” (The Order and Duties of the Priesthood, Etc., John Taylor, Aug. 8, 1880, JD 21:368)

Over the years, there have been mistakes made by the Brethren in perhaps usurping power and authority over women. I can think of two examples where the women of the Church questioned: 1) When the Brethren made arrangements to sell wheat to the government. The wheat was the rightful project of the Relief Society and this arrangement was made without their permission. Later, the men recognized their mistake, apologized, and made up for it. 2) When the women were promised land and a building for the Relief Society. While saving up their money, the land was given over to the men for a Bishop’s Building instead. After years of swallowing their disappointment, our Relief Society leaders were again apologized to, given back all the money earned, and given a beautiful location for a beautiful building.

We all experience hurt and disappointment, but the important thing to remember is that the Lord makes things right in due time; often making things much better in the process. For women to place demands, insisting, and bullying along the way, it seems somehow unfaithful, disrespectful, and silly. God is God after all. Who are we to know better than He? Both of the above examples, by the way, had nothing to do with doctrine. They were recognized mistakes made by the Brethren, and later corrected. These Relief Society leaders also showed a wonderful example of yes, pointing out the offense, but waiting patiently for things to be made right.

Questions are good when we want to understand. Questions are not good when we want to manipulate, trap, or argue.

What Is The Process And Rational For Excommunication?

M. Russell Ballard calls Disciplinary Councils “a remarkable tool of love”. Some sins warrant action on the part of the Church: 1) Sometimes the sin must be met with punishment. A broken law requires restitution. This is an opportunity for a “sinner” to “make right” what has been “made wrong”. It is for their benefit as well as those offended. 2) The Church has a right and obligation to protect itself from harmful actions of others. Through an excommunication, the Church disengages the offending party from having power over the Church. Again, this is the Church’s right of protection.

When a member is suspected of any serious wrong doing, they are called in for evaluation, and a talk with the bishop. The bishop has the keys and the authority to make any decision necessary. His counselors aid him and clerks and secretaries are present to keep a record of the proceedings. Stake Presidents are often informed, but not always directly involved. The bishop may decide no action is necessary after a discussion provides appropriate evidence. Perhaps a follow up visit or counsel may be advised. The bishop may impose a formal probation period where the person is asked to go through a process of personal repentance. Maybe they need to restore or recompense a third party.

More serious sins may demand that the bishop take considerable thought and prayer to decide on disfellowshipment or Excommunication. These more severe actions are to delineate a stop to the sin, protecting the sinner from further sinning. The act itself is one of love. The sinner, who has buried themselves in a hole of iniquity and sorrow, is prevented further damage to their soul. The mercy of these two judgments allows the person to start over and start clean. It is important to note that Excommunication is done quietly. As M. Russell Ballard states in his book, Counseling with our Councils, “No announcement is ever made when a member is placed on formal probation. Decisions to disfellowship or excommunicate are generally not announced publicly unless the transgression is widely known, the transgressor’s behavior constitutes a threat to the Church or the community, or an announcement is necessary to dispel rumors. Even when an announcement is made, it is limited to a general statement of the outcome” (p. 142).

What Is The Future For Members Who Choose This Path?

Even though the act of Excommunication is extreme and demoralizing to the individual, great mercy continues to be expressed by everyone involved in the decision. Counseling, encouragement, and an increased show of concern and love continue.

Further, M. Russell Ballard says that most people, who are disciplined, come back to the Church.  One person, quoted in this book, states, “The shock I felt was terrible, but I knew it was the Lord’s will. I could feel the spirit of concern among the brethren in the room as I was told the decision of the council. I felt only love and compassion.” And once they have repented fully, they can be truly forgiven: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). When the excommunicated individual chooses to return, the membership record shows no reference to the excommunication.”

In light of what is going on with those in the news, I wish to express my complete sorrow at the turn of events. Those of you who remain unbalanced, hurt, or angry, please ask the Lord to soften your heart that you may be receptive to the right path. Don’t let pride stop you from finding reassurance and a return to happiness and security. We all have something to repent of, we all have to battle our pride, and we all want to remain on the same team.