Should my friend be excommunicated?

[MikeWaters]

He is a former Elders Quorum President. He is now a Baptist and is some kind or ordained Baptist minister (I think he is a form of minor lay clergy).

He's a good guy, and I like him. Even though I am not a huge fan of excommunication, I'm starting to think he ought to be excommunicated.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

He is a former Elders Quorum President. He is now a Baptist and is some kind or ordained Baptist minister (I think he is a form of minor lay clergy).

He's a good guy, and I like him. Even though I am not a huge fan of excommunication, I'm starting to think he ought to be excommunicated.

As far as excommunication goes (formal holding of disciplinary council, etc.), that may be overkill. I do believe, however, that formally joining another church is grounds for the bishop to submit name removal. Not sure if a literal written request from the person is necessary.

Of course, there's probably no harm letting sleeping dogs lie. When our bishop has removed names in the past, it's when someone is contacted for some reason (home teaching, tithing settlement, whatever) and they say, "I've joined another church, please do not contact me."

[RC Vikings]

I'm not sure what that would accomplish. I thought being ex'ed was used as a tool to start someone toward repentance. It would seem like a total waste of time in this case.

[MikeWaters]

my understanding is that a bishop cannot remove someone from the church on his own accord.

the person can send a request to have their name removed. or they can be excommunicated.

I do not believe a Bishop can just send a list of names and say "erase the membership and ordinances for these people."

As much as Tex might wish.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

I'm not sure what that would accomplish. I thought being ex'ed was used as a tool to start someone toward repentance. It would seem like a total waste of time in this case.

Agreed. The church probably should ask him if he would like his name taken off of the records of the church. I don't see why he would refuse at this point.

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

He is a former Elders Quorum President. He is now a Baptist and is some kind or ordained Baptist minister (I think he is a form of minor lay clergy).

He's a good guy, and I like him. Even though I am not a huge fan of excommunication, I'm starting to think he ought to be excommunicated.

I don't believe in excommunication for sins of weakness. I'm leaning towards favoring excommunication for a case like this where someone leaves the church, or is publicly fighting against church doctrines and leaders. Although if the person said they honestly believe the church is true (even in a very unconventional manner) and honestly didn't believe they were seeking to damage the church, I would be very lenient with them.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

my understanding is that a bishop cannot remove someone from the church on his own accord.

the person can send a request to have their name removed. or they can be excommunicated.

I do not believe a Bishop can just send a list of names and say "erase the membership and ordinances for these people."

As much as Tex might wish.

I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. I just wasn't sure if a verbal request was sufficient. In any case, excommunication seems unwarranted.

[ute4ever]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Agreed. The church probably should ask him if he would like his name taken off of the records of the church. I don't see why he would refuse at this point.

Why should the church take the first step?

"Hey I noticed that you joined another faith. Can we do anything to help permanently sever our ties?"

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by ute4ever

Why should the church take the first step?

"Hey I noticed that you joined another faith. Can we do anything to help permanently sever our ties?"

Why take the energy, but perhaps a clerk could call to make it official.

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

He is a former Elders Quorum President. He is now a Baptist and is some kind or ordained Baptist minister (I think he is a form of minor lay clergy).

He's a good guy, and I like him. Even though I am not a huge fan of excommunication, I'm starting to think he ought to be excommunicated.

I think they should institute a new term. Dropped from the records. Excommunication sounds harsh and like the person did something evil.

If they join another church and actively preach for that religion, why not just drop them from the records. It acknowledges they are no longer a member, but not because of any evil thing they did.