What are the reasons for the church taking disciplinary action, or even excommunicating a member?
A 1990 article offered on the church’s Web site lists the following reasons for convening a disciplinary council: “… abortion, transsexual operation, attempted murder, rape, forcible sexual abuse, intentionally inflicting serious physical injuries on others, adultery, fornication, homosexual relations, child abuse (sexual or physical), spouse abuse, deliberate abandonment of family responsibilities, robbery, burglary, theft, sale of illegal drugs, fraud, perjury, or false swearing.” In addition, “disciplinary councils must be held in cases of murder, incest or apostasy.” Apostasy is defined by the church’s General Handbook of Instructions as teaching or following incorrect doctrines or “repeatedly act[ing] in clear, open and deliberate public opposition to the church or its leaders.” Excommunication is the most severe punishment that a church disciplinary council can hand down against a member. Disfellowshipment is a punishment just short of excommunication in which a member remains pa
