The Excommunication of John Dehlin Pt. 1 - Bishop James Stephenson (5/1/2012) | Ep. 1264

The Excommunication of John Dehlin: A Turning Point in LDS Church History

John Dehlin's excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2015 stands as a pivotal moment in the Church's contemporary history. Heralded by many as a staunch critic, Dehlin's case underscores ongoing tensions between personal belief and institutional doctrine within the LDS Church. But how did this unfold, and what does it mean for those navigating their faith today?

The path leading to Dehlin's excommunication started years prior, with his involvement in Mormon Stories Podcast. This platform served as a voice for those grappling with their faith, promoting open dialogue around controversial church topics. In a 2012 interview with Bishop James Stephenson, Dehlin candidly described his shifting beliefs and the struggle to find a place within an institution grappling with change. Dehlin felt that the Church's disciplinary councils for apostasy were archaic, and his suspicions were not unfounded. Historically, these councils had been venues for discussing complex matters often overshadowed by rigid orthodoxy.

Understanding the Background of John Dehlin's Case

Dehlin’s excommunication didn't occur in a vacuum. It followed a lineage of notable excommunications, such as that of Fawn Brodie and the September Six, individuals who faced church discipline for questioning official narratives. For three years leading up to his excommunication, Dehlin navigated a faith journey marked by periods of inactivity within the Church, punctuated by a brief return in 2007. His podcast disseminated wide-ranging interviews, including with figures like Simon Southerton and Kate Kelly, whose excommunications had generated significant attention.

Dehlin was not anti-Mormon, at least not in the traditional sense. His critique was more about the Church's response to doubt and discourse. His engagement with the church hierarchy, recorded without their knowledge but legal under state law, highlighted the adversarial stance often encountered by those in ecclesiastical scrutiny. Despite these tensions, Dehlin often reiterated his hope that the church could evolve towards inclusivity, similar to transformations within Judaism.