Disciplinary hearing set for Mormon blogger

 (Photo: Wikimedia/Håkan 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."

 

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.