Disciplinary hearing set for Mormon blogger

(Photo: Wikimedia/HÃ¥kan Svensson)

A disciplinary hearing has been set in the case of controversial Mormon blogger John Dehlin. 

Dehlin was informed on Thursday that he will face church leaders on January 25, and learn whether he will be censured or excommunicated. 

Dehlin told reporters in June that he had received a letter asking him to resign from the LDS Church or face an excommunication hearing for apostasy.

The Church defined apostasy as "repeatedly acting in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine."

According to the Associated Press, church leaders are "deeply concerned" about Dehlin's recent comments "about no longer believing fundamental teachings of the faith."

The Utah man's blog serves as a forum for Mormons questioning their faith to talk to like-minded individuals. Dehlin also became an ordained minister in another faith, and has openly supported same-sex marriage. 

Another point of contention is Dehlin's support of Ordain Women - an organisation that believes that female Mormons "must be ordained in order for our faith to reflect the equity and expansiveness of [Mormon] teachings."

The group was founded in March 2013 by former Mormon Kate Kelly, who was excommunicated last summer. 

Dehlin, 45, has faced numerous disciplinary actions over the years, but said he will not give up the controversial activities. 

"The church is losing a lot of members because they discover these difficult issues," Dehlin said. "The church has reached a breaking point: they don't know what else to do other than cut off the sources of information. It's a desperate move."

He expressed hope that he can remain a church member, but also called for change.

"I still love the church, I still love Mormonism," he insisted. "But I would certainly rather be excommunicated than violate my conscience."