The Church Handbook of Instructions explains in detail the mechanics of excommunication but says little about its theological import. Our panelists, several of whom have been excommunicated, will explore the theological and spiritual ramifications of this ultimate Church sanction. Why does excommunication not require a ritual? If blessings are “restored” to an excommunicated person who returns to the Church, what became of those blessings in the interim? Is it reasonable that God would give fallible human leaders the power to separate people from him or their families in eternity? How does excommunication impact a person’s relationship with the Savior?

JANICE ALLRED, LAVINA FIELDING ANDERSON, MARVIN RYTTING, MARGARET TOSCANO, PAUL TOSCANO