Mormonism and Church discipline/Scholars

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Mormonism and the discipline of Church scholars

Church discipline of scholars

Does the Church excommunicate scholars who publish historical information?

Summary: Some claim that the Church excommunicates or disfellowships scholars who publish historical information that is embarrassing to Church leaders. It is often claimed, despite the fact that these disciplinary actions are carried out by local leaders, that they are in reality instigated by general authorities. It is also claimed that the Church is silencing honest people for telling the truth.

Excommunication of Sonia Johnson

Summary: Why did church leaders oppose the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States?

Excommunication of D. Michael Quinn

Summary: Quinn claims that his excommunication was the direct result of his historical research on the origins of Mormonism. He refused to attend his own disciplinary council, telling his stake president that it was "a process which was designed to punish me for being the messenger of unwanted historical evidence and to intimidate me from further work in Mormon history."