FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormonism and priesthood/Criticisms by excommunicated Mormons
Claims by ex-Mormons that Church leaders have lost priesthood authority
Topics
Criticisms by excommunicated Mormons
Have Church leaders lost priesthood authority?
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church believe that the leaders of the Church have lost any right to claim priesthood leadership.Brigham Young and the apostles' ability to bear witness of Christ
Summary: Some who are excommunicated claim that Brigham Young and his successors lacked the ability to bear witness of Christ as a true apostle because they had not had divine manifestations.Deviation from proper wording for baptismal prayer
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that the Church has improperly altered the wording for the baptismal ordinance.Excommunication is unrighteous dominion?
Summary: Some excommunicated members claim that their Church discipline constitutes "unrighteous dominion," and so those who implement it have had their priesthood taken away by God. Church history and Joseph Smith's teachings make this claim untenable.- Non-participants claiming revelation about disciplinary councils—
Brief Summary: Some lay members or those at risk of excommunication have claimed to have received revelation about how disciplinary councils ought to be conducted. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗
- Non-participants claiming revelation about disciplinary councils—
Does the Church claim to "control" the Holy Ghost?
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that the Church believes it "controls the Holy Ghost."Do we need a Church?
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that a formal Church organization is not needed.Do we need Priesthood authority?
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that ordained priesthood authority is not needed.Priesthood authority can be re-conferred by heavenly messengers.
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that priesthood authority can be re-conferred by heavenly messengers, and so the institutional Church is not needed.Prophecy is only available for after the fact confirmation
Summary: Some who are excommunicated from the Church claim that prophecy is only given so we can understand "after the fact" that God has acted. God does not let anyone know what will come.