GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES
Excommunication
See also Apostasy; Rebellion

The process of excluding a person from the Church and taking away all rights and privileges of membership. Church authorities excommunicate a person from the Church only when he has chosen to live in opposition to the Lord's commandments and thus has disqualified himself for further membership in the Church.

The hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, Alma 1: 24 (Alma 6: 3). If he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people, 3 Ne. 18: 31 (Mosiah 26). Adulterers who do not repent shall be cast out, D&C 42: 24. He that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out, D&C 42: 28. Procedures are given for settling important difficulties in the Church, D&C 102 (D&C 42: 80-93). The bishop is appointed to be a judge in Israel, D&C 107: 72. Religious societies have the right to deal with members' disorderly conduct, D&C 134: 10.