Church Discipline and Name Removal

The first purpose of Church discipline is to save the souls of transgressors by helping them repent (see D&C 1:31–32; 19:13–20; 42:37; 64:12–13). When people do not repent, they are exposed to the demands of eternal justice (see Alma 34:16). When they exercise faith unto repentance, God forgives them, granting mercy through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Alma 42:23; D&C 58:42). Through this process, they may again become clean and worthy to inherit the kingdom of God (see 3 Nephi 27:19; Moses 6:57).

Church discipline can facilitate repentance by helping transgressors recognize and forsake sin, seek forgiveness, make restitution, and demonstrate a renewed commitment to keep the commandments. Informal Church discipline is often adequate for this purpose. However, in some instances the only way to encourage true repentance is to convene a disciplinary council and consider formal discipline. Without formal discipline, some transgressors may never experience the change of behavior and change of heart necessary to qualify them for redemption through the Atonement, for “none but the truly penitent are saved” (Alma 42:24).

The second purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent. With inspiration, a priesthood leader should act to protect others when a transgressor poses a physical or spiritual threat to them, such as by predatory practices, physical harm, sexual abuse, drug misuse, fraud, or apostasy (see Alma 5:59–60).

The third purpose of Church discipline is to safeguard the purity, integrity, and good name of the Church. Consequently, transgressions that significantly impair the good name or moral influence of the Church may require the action of a disciplinary council.

The stake president has authority over Church discipline in the stake. However, bishops normally administer Church discipline unless evidence indicates that a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood is likely to be excommunicated. In that case, the stake president convenes a stake disciplinary council. When a stake president convenes a disciplinary council, the participation of the stake presidency and high council is required as outlined in “Stake Disciplinary Councils” in 6.10.1.

The high council participates whenever a stake president convenes a disciplinary council (see 6.10.1 and 6.10.4).

The bishop has authority over Church discipline in the ward, except the excommunication of a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.

The bishop must confer with the stake president and obtain his approval before convening a disciplinary council. If evidence indicates that a Melchizedek Priesthood holder is likely to be excommunicated, the bishop immediately transfers the matter to the stake president.

When a bishop convenes a disciplinary council, it must include all three members of the bishopric (see “Ward Disciplinary Councils” in 6.10.1).

A branch president in a stake is not authorized to administer Church discipline without the permission and counsel of the stake president. He must receive authorization in each case to convene a disciplinary council.

If evidence indicates that a Melchizedek Priesthood holder is likely to be excommunicated, the branch president immediately transfers the matter to the stake president. If a branch disciplinary council recommends excommunication of a member who does not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, the stake president’s approval is required before the decision is final.

When a branch president in a stake convenes a disciplinary council, it must include all three members of the branch presidency (see “Branch Disciplinary Councils in a Stake” in 6.10.1).

The mission president administers or oversees Church discipline of members in mission branches and districts. If time or distance prevents him from personally convening a disciplinary council for one of these members, he may authorize three Melchizedek Priesthood holders to convene it as outlined in “Mission Disciplinary Councils” in 6.10.1. If this disciplinary council recommends excommunication, the mission president’s approval is required before the decision is final.

The mission president also administers Church discipline for full-time missionaries who commit serious transgressions in the mission field. Before convening a disciplinary council for a full-time missionary, the mission president reviews the matter with a General Authority in the Missionary Department. If the mission president is outside the United States and Canada, he also reviews the matter with the Area Presidency. In either case, the mission president may not convene the disciplinary council until he receives authorization from a General Authority in the Missionary Department.

A district president or branch president in a mission is not authorized to administer Church discipline without the permission and counsel of the mission president. He must receive authorization in each case to convene a disciplinary council.

If a member who needs Church discipline moves to another ward before disciplinary action is taken, the bishops of both wards consult to determine where the action should be taken. They consider such matters as the accessibility of key witnesses and the need for continuing efforts to encourage repentance and restoration to full fellowship. If the bishops determine that the bishop of the former ward should take the disciplinary action, he retains the membership record until the action is taken. Otherwise, he transfers the membership record and confidentially informs the person’s current bishop of the circumstances that warrant Church discipline.

If a member is living away from home temporarily (attending school or serving in the military, for example), his bishop at the place of temporary residence may counsel him or place him on informal probation. However, this bishop should consult the bishop of the home ward before initiating formal disciplinary action.

If a full-time missionary commits a serious transgression that is not revealed until after he has been released, the bishop of his current ward confers with the stake president and mission president.

A disciplinary council normally is not necessary in the following instances.

A disciplinary council must be held when evidence suggests that a member may have committed any of the following transgressions.

Private counsel and caution may be sufficient discipline for members who have committed minor transgressions and are genuinely repentant.

Presiding officers counsel members to resist temptation and help them take preventive action to resist specific temptations. Such counseling often helps members who have committed minor moral transgressions guard against major transgressions. Such counseling also helps protect and strengthen those who are courting, are having difficulty in their marriages, or are separated or divorced. Presiding officers need not wait for members to seek such help, but may call them in for counseling.

For more information about counseling, see 7.2.

Informal probation is a means for a presiding officer to restrict some of a transgressor’s privileges of Church membership. Such restrictions may include suspending the right to partake of the sacrament, hold a Church position, exercise the priesthood, or enter a temple. If the privilege of entering a temple is suspended, a member gives his temple recommend to the presiding officer for the period of suspension. Wisely administered and humbly received, informal probation can be effective in helping a transgressor repent.

In less serious cases, a presiding officer may determine that a member needs a more active rather than a less active exercise of the privileges of Church membership. In these cases, informal probation may include positive conditions such as regular Church attendance, regular prayer, and reading selected scriptures or Church literature.

Informal probation is not an option when priesthood leaders administer Church discipline for a member who has been involved in any of the serious transgressions listed in 6.12.10.

A bishop normally does not inform anyone of a decision to place a member on informal probation. No official record is made of such decisions, but the bishop may make private notes for his own use. He keeps these notes secure and destroys them after the probation concludes. If a bishop is released or if the member moves to a new ward before informal probation ends, the bishop may inform the new bishop to the extent necessary for the new bishop to supervise the remaining probation.

When a member on informal probation makes specified progress and meets prescribed conditions, the presiding officer may end the probation. If the member does not make this progress and meet the conditions, additional disciplinary action may be needed.

Formal probation is an action taken by a disciplinary council to restrict or suspend some of a transgressor’s privileges of Church membership. These restrictions could include or go beyond those imposed by informal probation. Positive conditions similar to those imposed by informal probation could also be prescribed (see 6.8.2).

Formal probation is not an option when priesthood leaders administer Church discipline for a member who has been involved in any of the serious transgressions listed in 6.12.10. If a minor commits incest or abuses a child, the stake president contacts the Office of the First Presidency for direction.

When a member on formal probation makes specified progress and meets prescribed conditions, the presiding officer may convene another disciplinary council to consider ending the probation (see 6.12). If the member does not make this progress and meet the conditions, the disciplinary council may continue probation or take more severe disciplinary action.

A person who is disfellowshipped is still a member of the Church but is no longer in good standing. Disfellowshipment is a severe action that may be adequate for all but the most serious transgressions.

A person who is disfellowshipped may not hold a temple recommend, serve in a Church position, or exercise the priesthood in any way. He is encouraged to attend public Church meetings if his conduct is orderly, but he may not give a talk, offer a public prayer, partake of the sacrament, or participate in the sustaining of Church officers. The presiding officer may impose additional conditions, such as staying away from pornographic materials and other evil influences. He may also impose positive conditions such as regular Church attendance, regular prayer, and reading selected scriptures or Church literature.

Disfellowshipped members are encouraged to pay tithes and offerings, to continue wearing temple garments if endowed, and to seek a return to fellowship in the Church through sincere repentance and righteous living.

Disfellowshipment is intended to be temporary but usually lasts at least one year. When a member shows true repentance and satisfies the conditions imposed, the presiding officer may convene another disciplinary council to consider restoring him to full fellowship (see 6.12). If a member does not repent, the disciplinary council may continue disfellowshipment or consider excommunication.

A person who is excommunicated is no longer a member of the Church. Excommunication is the most severe Church disciplinary action. As directed by the Spirit, it may be necessary for:

1. Members who have committed serious transgressions, especially violations of temple covenants (see “Violation of Covenants” in 6.10.6).

2. Members who have been disfellowshipped and have not repented and for whom excommunication seems to offer the best hope for reformation.

3. Members whose conduct makes them a serious threat to others and whose Church membership facilitates their access to victims.

4. Church leaders or prominent members whose transgressions significantly impair the good name or moral influence of the Church in the community that is aware of the transgression.

Excommunication is mandatory for murder (as defined in 6.7.3) and is almost always required for incest.

A person who is excommunicated does not enjoy any privileges of Church membership. He may not wear temple garments or pay tithes and offerings. He may attend public Church meetings if his conduct is orderly, but his participation in such meetings is limited the same as for disfellowshipped members.

Excommunication almost always lasts at least one year. If a person shows true repentance and satisfies the conditions imposed while he is excommunicated, he may be readmitted by baptism and confirmation. The readmission process is explained in 6.12.

For information about the effects of excommunication on temple sealings, see “Effects of Excommunication or Name Removal” in 3.6.1.

A presiding officer should not schedule a disciplinary council until (1) he has had adequate time to determine the relevant facts and (2) he and the transgressor and the aggrieved parties have had adequate time to give unhurried consideration to the consequences of the transgression.

The presiding officer gives a member written notice of a disciplinary council that will be held in his behalf. This notice is addressed to the member by his full name and is signed by the presiding officer. It states:

“The [stake presidency or bishopric] is considering formal disciplinary action in your behalf, including the possibility of disfellowshipment or excommunication, because you are reported to have [set forth the charge in general terms, such as ‘been in apostasy’ or ‘participated in conduct unbecoming a member of the Church,’ but do not give any details or evidence].

“You are invited to attend this disciplinary council to give your response and, if you wish, to provide witnesses and other evidence in your behalf.

“The disciplinary council will be held on [date and time] at [place].”

Two Melchizedek Priesthood holders deliver the notice to the member personally and privately with courtesy and dignity. The members who deliver the notice must give the clerk of the disciplinary council a signed statement certifying that the member was notified and describing how he was notified.

If the notice cannot be delivered in person, it may be sent by registered or certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

A member who is incarcerated when a council is to be held is notified as specified in the preceding paragraphs, with one exception: since he will not be able to attend, he is not invited. However, the letter should invite him to send evidence in his behalf, including a written response about the crime with which he has been charged and, if applicable, convicted. The letter may also invite him to tell how he feels about continued fellowship or membership in the Church.

When there is an aggrieved victim (such as for incest, child abuse, or spouse abuse), the presiding officer of the upcoming disciplinary council contacts the victim’s current bishop or stake president. If the victim’s current bishop or stake president already knows about the situation, the two leaders determine whether it would be helpful and appropriate for the victim to be given an opportunity to provide a written or oral statement about the known or alleged misconduct and how it has affected the victim and his or her family.

Any interview with an aggrieved victim for this purpose is conducted by his or her current bishop or stake president. Any inquiries about a victim who is under 18 years of age are made through the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Great care must be taken to avoid causing further trauma, especially with a victim of sexual or physical abuse. In the United States, Canada, and selected other countries, the Church has established a help line for cases that involve abuse. Priesthood leaders should call the help line for guidance in such cases (see 17.3.2). In the United States and Canada, the telephone number is 1-801-240-1911 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-1911.

The stake president, bishop, mission president, district president, or branch president conducts the disciplinary council. He also rules on the procedures that are followed and the evidence that is presented.

A clerk records the proceedings of the council as a basis for completing the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form, but he does not participate in the discussion or decision.

The presiding officer helps the member prepare for the disciplinary council by explaining its purpose and procedures. He also explains the consequences of the decisions the council may reach.

If the member has confessed, the presiding officer asks for consent to use the confession as evidence in the council. Information received in a member’s confession cannot be used as evidence in a disciplinary council without the member’s consent. When necessary, the presiding officer attempts to persuade the member to give this consent. He explains that refusal reflects a lack of contrition and repentance, preventing justice and mercy from operating fully for the good of the transgressor.

A lack of consent to use a confession as evidence does not prevent a disciplinary council from proceeding on the basis of other evidence. Also, the presiding officer can still impose informal discipline on the basis of the confession, even if the member does not give consent for the confession to be used in the council.

Immediately before the council begins, the presiding officer tells his counselors (and the high council if it is a stake disciplinary council) whom it is for and what the reported misconduct is. If necessary, he explains the procedures of the council to these leaders. The person is then invited into the meeting and introduced.

The presiding officer conducts the disciplinary council as follows:

1. Invite a participant to open the council with prayer.

2. State the reported misconduct, or designate someone else to state it. Ask the member to respond by admitting or denying it.

3. If the member admits to the misconduct, proceed to number 5 below. If he denies the reported misconduct, present evidence of it or ask someone else to do so. This evidence may include the written or oral statements of witnesses, reliable documents, and the substance of the member’s confession (if he has confessed and given consent). The member must be given an opportunity to question any witnesses who give evidence against him. (If witnesses are unable to attend, see “Party or Witness Unable to Attend” in 6.10.12.)

4. If the member desires to present evidence in his behalf, invite him to bring in witnesses one at a time, submit other relevant evidence, comment on the evidence, and make any other statements he desires.

   Witnesses should be Church members unless the presiding officer has determined in advance that a nonmember witness will respect the purposes and procedures of a Church disciplinary council. Witnesses wait in a separate room until they give their evidence. The presiding officer asks them not to talk with each other about the matter either before or after they testify.

5. Ask questions of the member or witnesses in an orderly, polite manner, avoiding argument. Allow counselors in the bishopric or stake presidency to do the same. Questions are to be brief and limited to the essential facts of the case.

6. In a stake disciplinary council, invite members of the high council to participate as outlined in “High Council Participation” (see the next heading).

7. When all relevant matters have been presented, excuse the member and, with counselors in the bishopric or stake presidency, prayerfully deliberate over what action to take. The presiding officer is the judge. He makes the decision through inspiration and invites his counselors to sustain it. If they have a different opinion, he listens and seeks to resolve the differences so the decision can be unanimous.

   In a stake disciplinary council, the stake presidency withdraws from the council room to confer in private. After the stake president reaches a decision and his counselors sustain it, he announces it to the high council as outlined in “High Council Participation” (see the next heading).

   If there is not enough evidence to justify formal Church discipline but it seems inappropriate to conclude the matter immediately by a decision of no action, the presiding officer adjourns the council temporarily to seek additional evidence.

8. Invite the person back into the council meeting to inform him of the decision. If the decision is formal probation, disfellowshipment, or excommunication, explain the terms and conditions that are imposed, tell the person in a spirit of love how to overcome those restrictions, and offer other appropriate instruction and counsel.

9. Explain the person’s right to appeal (see 6.10.10).

10. Invite a participant to close the council with prayer.

If the person holds a valid temple recommend and the right to enter the temple has been withdrawn, he gives the recommend to the presiding officer at this time, unless he has already done so.

If the person does not attend the council, the presiding officer informs him of the decision and gives instruction and counsel by meeting with him or by other means if necessary.

Video or audio recordings of disciplinary councils should not be made.

A disciplinary council can reach any of the following decisions:

1. No action. A disciplinary council can reach this decision even if a transgression has been committed. As part of this decision, the member may be given cautionary counsel, or he may be referred to his bishop for an interview that might lead to informal discipline.

2. Formal probation (see 6.9.1).

3. Disfellowshipment (see 6.9.2).

4. Excommunication (see 6.9.3).

If discipline is imposed, the presiding officer interviews the person regularly. The officer counsels him in love, helps him repent, and encourages him to live so he may again enjoy the full blessings of Church membership.

This section lists some of the factors that leaders may need to consider in reaching decisions on formal and informal Church discipline. These factors are listed in order from those that suggest stern discipline to those that suggest more lenient discipline. None of these factors dictates any particular decision. They are only aids to a decision that must be pursued prayerfully and guided by the Spirit of the Lord.

The presiding officer ensures that a person who is placed on formal probation, disfellowshipped, or excommunicated by a disciplinary council receives prompt written notice of the decision and its effects, even if he has been advised orally. This notice consists of a general statement that the person has been placed on formal probation, disfellowshipped, or excommunicated for conduct contrary to the laws and order of the Church. It could also include counsel to help the person come back into full fellowship in the Church. The presiding officer does not give the person a copy of the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form.

When a person is excommunicated, his name is removed from the membership records of the Church. Although the person no longer has a membership record, the presiding officer of the disciplinary council asks for his consent to retain his name and address so Church leaders can continue to assist him. The presiding officer does this with genuine love and concern at a time when the excommunicated person is most likely to consent. This may be immediately after the person is told of the excommunication decision or at a later time. If the person consents, this is noted on the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form.

If an excommunicated person moves after consenting to have the Church maintain contact with him, the bishop contacts the bishop of the new ward, gives him the person’s name and address, and communicates relevant information about the disciplinary action.

If an excommunicated person moves after not giving consent to have the Church maintain contact with him, the bishop contacts the bishop of the new ward, identifies the person involved, and indicates that a disciplinary council has been held and that the person has requested that no further information be shared and no contact be made. The request of the excommunicated person should be respected until there is a change of mind.

When announcing Church discipline, leaders must consider the feelings of the transgressor’s innocent family members and the needs of innocent potential victims.

A decision to place a member on informal probation is not announced.

A decision to place a member on formal probation may be announced to those who need to know as determined by the presiding officer.

A decision of disfellowshipment or excommunication is announced only to those who need to know. The principles and procedures in the following paragraphs govern these announcements.

No announcement is made if a decision is being appealed, unless the presiding officer of the disciplinary council concludes that an announcement pending appeal is necessary to protect potential victims, to support the healing of victims (although victims’ names are not announced), or to safeguard the name of the Church.

The bishop announces the decision in confidence in ward priesthood executive committee meeting to guide priesthood officers who might otherwise consider the disciplined person for Church service, offering prayers, or giving talks or lessons.

The bishop advises the ward Relief Society president in confidence when a member of the Relief Society has been disciplined or has been a victim.

If a case concerns (1) preaching of false doctrine, (2) a transgressor whose predatory tendencies seriously threaten other persons, or (3) other flagrant transgressions (such as plural marriage, cultist teachings to attract a following, or ridicule of Church leaders), then, with the approval of the stake president, the bishop announces the decision in meetings of the elders quorum, high priests group, and Relief Society in his ward. In such cases the stake president may also need to authorize a broader announcement, such as in a stake priesthood meeting or to the Melchizedek Priesthood brethren and Relief Society sisters of other wards in the stake. In some cases the presiding officer may find it beneficial to notify some or all of the victims and, when necessary, their families that the transgressor has been the subject of a disciplinary council.

When an announcement of Church discipline is necessary, it is limited to a general statement that the person has been disfellowshipped or excommunicated for conduct contrary to the laws and order of the Church. The officer who makes the announcement asks those who hear it not to discuss it with anyone. Announcements of disfellowshipment or excommunication do not require a sustaining vote.

To dispel rumors, a bishop or stake president may need to announce that a disciplinary council considered charges against a member but that no action was taken.

A person who has been excommunicated, disfellowshipped, or placed on formal probation by a disciplinary council may appeal the decision. An appeal of the action of a ward disciplinary council is to the stake presidency (and high council). An appeal of the action of a stake disciplinary council is to the First Presidency. An appeal of the action of a branch or district disciplinary council is to the mission president. An appeal of the action of a disciplinary council presided over by a mission president is to the First Presidency.

If a person who has been disciplined wants to appeal the decision, he specifies in writing the alleged errors or unfairness in the procedure or decision. The person presents the appeal within 30 days to the presiding officer of the disciplinary council that made the decision. If a bishop or branch president presided over the council, he forwards the appeal with the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form and other relevant documents to the stake or mission president. If a stake or mission president presided over the council, he forwards the materials to the First Presidency.

The decision on the appeal may be to (1) let the initial decision stand, (2) modify the initial decision, or (3) direct the disciplinary council to rehear the matter. In addition, the First Presidency may refer an appeal to another priesthood officer or body for review (with or without receiving additional evidence) and resubmittal to the First Presidency with a recommendation.

The presiding officer asks a clerk to summarize the proceedings of the disciplinary council on a Report of Church Disciplinary Action form. The form provides instructions on how to complete it, whether to retain or submit it, and how to submit it.

To consider ending formal probation, disfellowshipment, or excommunication, a presiding officer where the person currently lives must convene a disciplinary council. The council should have the same (or higher) level of ecclesiastical authority as the council that took the initial disciplinary action. For example:

1. If a bishop presided over the disciplinary council that administered the discipline, the person’s current bishop normally presides over another council to consider changing the person’s status.

2. If a stake or mission president presided over the disciplinary council, a stake or mission president presides over another council to consider changing the person’s status. Any exceptions to this policy require the approval of the First Presidency.

3. If a branch president in a mission presided over the disciplinary council and the disciplined person later lives in a stake, the person’s current bishop normally presides over another council to consider changing the person’s status (see number 5 below for an exception).

4. If a district president in a mission presided over the disciplinary council and the disciplined person later lives in a stake, the stake president presides over another council to consider changing the person’s status. Any exceptions to this policy require the approval of the First Presidency (see also number 5 below).

5. If a district or branch president in a mission presided over a disciplinary council that excommunicated a Melchizedek Priesthood holder (with authorization from the mission president), and if the excommunicated person later lives in a stake, the stake president presides over another council to consider readmitting the person into the Church.

A bishop needs approval from the stake president to convene a disciplinary council to consider changing a person’s status. In a mission, a branch or district president needs the approval of the mission president to convene such a disciplinary council.

The current presiding officer reviews the proceedings of the initial disciplinary council. These proceedings are summarized on the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form.

For disfellowshipped or excommunicated persons, the presiding officer requests a copy of the original report from the Office of the First Presidency.

For members on formal probation, the presiding officer obtains a copy of the report from the presiding officer of the unit where the initial disciplinary action was taken.

The presiding officer interviews the person thoroughly to determine the strength of his faith in Jesus Christ, the extent of his repentance, and whether the conditions specified in the initial disciplinary action have been met.

If a person who has had Church discipline has been convicted of a crime or found guilty in a civil action of fraud or other dishonest or immoral conduct, a disciplinary council is not held to consider changing his Church status until he has fulfilled all terms and conditions of any sentence or judgment imposed by legal authorities. These conditions may include imprisonment, probation, parole, and fines or restitution. Any exceptions require the approval of the First Presidency.

If the presiding officer has questions or concerns as he reviews the report of the initial disciplinary council, he may consult with the current presiding officer of the unit where the council was held to see if he knows the circumstances and can provide clarification.

In cases of incest, child abuse, or spouse abuse, the presiding officer of the disciplined person must contact the current presiding officer of the unit where the initial disciplinary action was taken. If that officer already knows about the situation, the disciplined person’s presiding officer seeks his opinion on the advisability of a proposed change of status for the disciplined person. This discussion must take place before a disciplinary council is held to consider reinstating the disciplined person to full fellowship or readmitting him into the Church.

The presiding officer of the upcoming disciplinary council contacts the current bishop or stake president of any aggrieved victim (such as in cases of incest, child abuse, or spouse abuse). If the victim’s current bishop or stake president already knows about the situation, the two leaders determine whether it would be helpful and appropriate for the victim to be given an opportunity to provide a written or oral statement about how the disciplined person’s misconduct has affected the victim and his or her family. A victim may also comment on evidence of the person’s repentance since the disciplinary action was taken.

Any interview with an aggrieved victim for this purpose should be conducted by his or her current bishop or stake president. Inquiries about a victim who is under 18 years of age are made through the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Great care must be taken to avoid causing further trauma, especially with a victim of sexual or physical abuse. In the United States, Canada, and some other countries, the Church has established a help line for cases that involve abuse. Priesthood leaders should call the help line for guidance in such cases (see 6.10.3).

The presiding officer notifies the person of the date, time, and place of the disciplinary council where his change of Church status will be considered so he can attend or submit a written statement if he desires.

The presiding officer convenes and conducts the disciplinary council. The person is invited into the room, the council is opened with prayer, and the presiding officer or someone designated by him states the purpose of the council. The presiding officer then asks the person questions about what he has done to repent and about his commitment to the Church and the strength of his testimony.

In a stake disciplinary council that is convened to consider ending Church discipline, the role of the high council is much the same as outlined in 6.10.4, but it is not necessary for high councilors to draw lots or to speak before the council.

When all relevant matters have been presented, the presiding officer excuses the member and, with his counselors, prayerfully deliberates over what action to take. See 6.10.4 for instructions about these deliberations and about informing the member of the council’s decision.

A disciplinary council may either end or continue Church discipline, but it cannot place a disfellowshipped member on formal probation.

If First Presidency approval is not necessary to end the discipline prescribed in the case, the presiding officer may end it himself. If First Presidency approval is necessary (as outlined in 6.12.10), the conclusion of the council can be only a recommendation to the First Presidency and not a final decision.

See 6.10.11.

If the person was disfellowshipped or excommunicated for any of the following reasons, or if he committed any of these transgressions after being disfellowshipped or excommunicated, the approval of the First Presidency is required before he may be reinstated to full fellowship or readmitted by baptism and confirmation. For the purposes of Church discipline, some of the following terms are defined in 6.7.3.

1. Murder

2. Incest

3. Sexual offense against a child or serious physical abuse of a child by an adult or by a youth who is several years older than the child

4. Apostasy

5. Committing a serious transgression while holding a prominent Church position

6. An elective transsexual operation

7. Embezzlement of Church funds or property

In these circumstances, the presiding officer conducts the disciplinary council as stated previously. Preauthorization from the First Presidency is not required to convene the council. If the disciplinary council recommends a change in status, the presiding officer may notify the person of this recommendation. However, he explains that the status cannot be changed until the First Presidency gives written approval of the recommendation.

To submit a recommendation to the First Presidency, the presiding officer completes each step on the Application to the First Presidency form. This form is available electronically in units that use Church record-keeping software. In other areas it is available from the Area Presidency.

The stake or mission president sends (1) the completed application form, (2) the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form, and (3) any necessary attachments (such as letters that are required on the application form) to the Office of the First Presidency or to the Area Presidency if the unit is outside the United States and Canada. The Office of the First Presidency will notify the stake or mission president of the decision.

The presiding officer ensures that after the disciplinary council, the person receives prompt written notice of the decision and its effects, even if he has been advised orally.

When all approvals have been received, a person who was excommunicated may be readmitted into the Church. After the person is baptized, he is confirmed a member of the Church as in any other confirmation. The bishop prepares a Baptism and Confirmation Record, noting on the form that the ordinances are for readmission.

Formal probation is not noted on a membership record.

Disfellowshipment is noted on a person’s membership record. Church headquarters or the assigned administrative office makes this note and provides an updated record after receiving the Report of Church Disciplinary Action form.

If a disfellowshipped member moves, the bishop transfers the membership record to the new ward. The record will notify the new bishop that the person has been disfellowshipped. The bishop may also contact the bishop of the new ward to communicate relevant information about the disciplinary action.

After a person has been reinstated to full fellowship, Church headquarters or the assigned administrative office removes the notice of disfellowshipment and provides an updated membership record.

In areas authorized by the First Presidency, an annotation may be placed on the record of a member whose conduct has threatened the well-being of other persons or of the Church. An annotation helps the bishop protect Church members and others from such individuals. When a bishop receives an annotated membership record, he follows the instructions in the annotation.

Church headquarters will automatically annotate a person’s membership record in any of the following situations:

1. The stake president or bishop submits a Report of Church Disciplinary Action form showing that the person was disciplined for incest, sexual offense against or serious physical abuse of a child, plural marriage, an elective transsexual operation, repeated homosexual activities (by adults), predatory conduct, or embezzlement of Church funds or property.

2. The stake president or bishop submits written notification that the person has been criminally convicted for one of these transgressions.

3. The stake president and bishop jointly submit written notification that the person has committed one of these transgressions before or after excommunication or name removal.

In addition, the stake president and bishop may jointly recommend that a person’s membership record be annotated for other conduct that threatens the well-being of other persons or of the Church.

In all cases, an annotation on a membership record is removed only with First Presidency approval upon request of the stake president.

The bishop and a clerk review the records of new ward members for special comments that Church headquarters or the assigned administrative office may have added. If a record includes such comments, the bishop contacts Church headquarters or the administrative office as needed and takes appropriate action.

If a member moves and the bishop feels a need to share information with the member’s new bishop, he instructs a clerk to place a request for contact on the record when sending it to the new ward. When a bishop receives a membership record with such a request, he contacts the previous bishop as soon as feasible.

If a member moves while Church disciplinary action or another serious concern is pending, the bishop, or the ward clerk with the bishop’s authorization, may contact Church headquarters or the assigned administrative office and ask for a move restriction on the membership record. A record that has a move restriction will not be moved to a new unit until the priesthood leader who requested the restriction authorizes it to be removed.

If a member has been convicted of a crime and is incarcerated in a correctional facility, the stake president or bishop of the unit where the person resided at the time of conviction should proceed with any disciplinary action that may be necessary. This presiding officer should take the necessary action before forwarding the membership record to the unit that has ecclesiastical responsibility for the institution where the person is incarcerated.

A request for name removal should be acted upon whether or not priesthood leaders suspect or have evidence of transgression. Any allegations or evidence of unresolved transgressions are noted on the Report of Administrative Action form so priesthood leaders may resolve such matters in the future if the individual applies for readmission into the Church.

See “Effects of Excommunication or Name Removal” in 3.6.1.

In some cases a bishop may need to announce that a person’s name has been removed from the membership records of the Church. The announcement merely states that the action was taken at the person’s request. The announcement should not use the word excommunication. The guidelines in 6.10.9 apply.

After name removal, a person must be baptized and confirmed to be readmitted into the Church. If the person was an adult when his name was removed from Church membership records, readmission is not usually approved until at least one year later.

When a person requests readmission, the bishop or stake president requests a copy of the Report of Administrative Action form that accompanied the request for name removal. This copy is available from the Office of the First Presidency. After reviewing the report, the bishop interviews the person thoroughly. He inquires about the reasons for the name removal request and the desire for readmission. He also determines whether any unresolved transgressions may have been committed before or after name removal.

If the person was on formal probation or was disfellowshipped at the time of name removal, a disciplinary council is held to consider the request for readmission.

If the bishop finds that before name removal the person committed transgressions that warranted disciplinary action but were not resolved, he does not approve a request for readmission until he is satisfied that the person has repented of those and any subsequent transgressions. No disciplinary council is held.

If the person committed any of the transgressions listed in 6.12.10, either before or after name removal, the approval of the First Presidency is required for readmission. If the person is readmitted after committing any of the transgressions listed under “Records with Annotations” (see 6.13.4), either before or after name removal, an annotation will be made on the new membership record.

A person who requests readmission must meet the same qualifications as others who are baptized (see 16.3.3). When the bishop is satisfied that the person is worthy and sincere in wanting to be readmitted, he prepares a Baptism and Confirmation Record. He notes on the form that the baptism is for readmission. After the person is baptized, he is confirmed a member of the Church. The confirmation may be performed during the baptismal service or during a sacrament meeting.

Priesthood ordination, temple recommends, membership records, and the ordinance of restoration of blessings are handled the same as for an excommunicated person who has been readmitted by baptism and confirmation (see 6.13.3).

If the First Presidency authorizes the restoration of blessings, they assign a General Authority or the stake president to interview the applicant. If the applicant is worthy, the General Authority or the stake president performs the ordinance to restore the person’s blessings.

In designated areas, when an Area President receives authorization from the First Presidency to conduct an interview for restoration of blessings, he may delegate the authority to an Area Seventy. When assigned, this Area Seventy may then conduct the interview and perform the ordinance if the applicant is worthy.

See 3.7.9.