John Dehlin Excommunicated for Severe Amnesia Problem

And now, ladies and gentlemen… if I could direct your full attention to the center ring of the “Dehlinite” circus, where John himself proudly announces via national media and public radio the results of his LDS Church disciplinary council:  Excommunicated for apostasy!

Duh.

And this, from his sidekick, Peggy Stack, of the Salt LakeTribune:

"The official charge against the founder of the "Mormon Stories" podcast was "conduct contrary to the laws and order of the church," but the letter from Dehlin's North Logan LDS stake president, Bryan King, called it "apostasy" and cited evidence for the unanimous decision:

• Dehlin's teachings disputing the nature of God and the divinity of Jesus Christ. 

• His statements that the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham are fraudulent and works of fiction. 

• His statements and teachings that reject The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as being "the true church with power and authority from God."
  

King further notes that the Cache Valley-based podcaster has "spread these teachings widely via the Internet to hundreds of people in the past," and that Dehlin has said he plans to "continue to do so."
  

The action was not taken because Dehlin had doubts about the church or its history, the LDS leader wrote, but "because of your categorical statements opposing the doctrines of the church, and their wide dissemination via your Internet presence, which has led others away from the church."
  

Dehlin is free to criticize the church and to share his opinions, King wrote, but not "as a member in good standing."
  

Dehlin has said he expected to be ousted from the Utah-based faith."

"The Salt Lake Tribune will update this story as more information becomes available." Oh, yippee!

And there you have it folks -- Bam! And exactly the way Mr. Dehlin planned his exit from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) to happen. Well done, sir. Now, can we move on and get back to hastening the work of the Lord and doing what we as covenant members have been called to do with our time and talents?

Sure, I’m sad for John Dehlin as I would be for any other ‘once’ brother in Christ who openly and rebelliously would chose to reject the truth he once had – and instead market against it for personal gain. But I’m not sad that the credibility some considered him having as a “member in good standing” has been stripped right out from under his little pinky toes! A thing he desperately tried to hold on to until just a few months ago – until the writing was on the wall.

Update, from the Mormon Newsroom:

Church Responds to John Dehlin's Public Comments:

"Holding a disciplinary council for a member of the Church is not something that any local leader takes lightly. Such councils are always held in private, and the member is always invited to be a part of that discussion. The decision as to whether to hold a disciplinary council, when and for what reasons rests with the local leader who knows the individual best. Local leaders operate under general principles and guidelines of the Church.

Such councils are always far better when all involved respect the principle of confidentiality. At the very least, this principle helps those members who wish to return to full fellowship at a later date. When the member has chosen to air their grievances in public, the Church reserves the right to correct the public record. In this case, attempts have been made to create the impression that the disciplinary council convened on Sunday, February 8, 2015, and which has resulted in a loss of Church membership or excommunication of Mr. Dehlin arose largely because of his views on same-sex marriage and priesthood ordination for women.  Although his stated positions on those subjects are not consistent with the Church’s teachings, they were not cited in the local leader’s letter delivered to Mr. Dehlin on February 9, which spelled out the reasons for the local council’s unanimous decision, as follows:

• Disputing the nature of our Heavenly Father and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
• Statements that the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham are fraudulent and works of fiction. 
• Statements and teachings that reject The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as being the true Church with power and authority from God.

In his letter the local leader stated, “I want you to know, Brother Dehlin, that this action was not taken against you because you have doubts or because you were asking questions about Church doctrine. I also want you to know that I acknowledge your right to criticize the Church and its doctrines and to try to persuade others to your cause.  Our Heavenly Father has given us moral agency to decide how we will live our lives, and cherished free speech rights in this country allow you to openly state your opinions.  But you do not have the right to remain a member of the Church in good standing while openly and publicly trying to convince others that Church teachings are in error.”

Church discipline is not designed to be the end of the process, but the beginning of the road back to full fellowship. One who leaves the Church is always welcome to attend weekly worship services and is always welcome to return to Church membership through the grace and Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Show over.

tDMg

Kathryn Skaggs

WBMW: Excommunication All the Rage!

Deseret News: Mormon Stories founder Dehlin's spread of 'false concepts' results in excommunication from LDS Church