So who is next?

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by CardiacCoug

Doesn't the Church realize that excommunicating a guy like this only gives him more attention and more credibility?

Besides the fact that it seems mean-spirited, excommunicating a guy like this just seems like it adversely affects the Church's image when it's reported in the press. It turns him into a martyr and makes the Church look like a cult -- just like with the missionary calendar guy.

The Church should stand above the fray.

I don't know that "looks like" are the appropriate words. The church "is" more controlling of its membership than any major/minor USA religion that I am aware of.