MormonFAQ/Church Discipline FAQ

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Church Disciplinary Councils

If you have a question about the whys, hows, or wherefores of Church Discipline in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our FAQ has the answer.

Question: What is a “disciplinary council”?

A disciplinary council is a private meeting between Church leaders and a member that has either confessed or been accused of behavior which could threaten their right to full fellowship in the Church.

Question: How is a disciplinary council different from a “church court”?

“Church court” is an older terminology for the same thing.

Question: What behavior requires that a disciplinary council be held?

Disciplinary councils must be held for:

• Murder
• Incest
• Physical or sexual abuse of a child
• Apostasy

A council must also always be held in the case of:

• Serious transgression by a prominent Church leader
• A pattern of serious transgression
• Transgression involving someone who is a predator and thus a danger to others

Question: What constitutes “a serious transgression”?

A serious transgression is a “deliberate and major offense against morality.” The following are defined as “serious transgressions” for the purposes of determining whether disciplinary councils ought to be held, but the list is not exclusive:

• Felonies (e.g., attempted murder, rape, burglary, theft, robbery, perjury, fraud, sale of illicit drugs)
• Adultery, fornication, or homosexual conduct

Question: What behavior may require a disciplinary council?

Any of these may prompt a disciplinary council.

• A serious transgression other than those which require a disciplinary council
• Abortion while a member of the Church (this includes paying for, submitting to, encouraging, or performing abortions)
• Transsexual operation

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