(The only exceptions I have witnessed personally involved persons who were deemed to be a threat to others.)
Exactly what kind of "threat"? I asked you earlier what kind of a "danger"? Persons who carried weapons? Or, is this mandate to the members a method by which they can interpret the "danger" being the teaching of "Unapproved doctrine" to unsuspecting members?
Fair enough. If you go back and read my first post on the matter (Post #13), you will see that I was talking about the Church's disciplinary procedures. Specifically in reference to Harry Reid, I wrote,
Obviously, being a slimy politician is not an offense requiring excommunication.
After you objected to my characterization of Church practice, I was careful to define what I meant by shunning (Post #55). The definition I offered was similar to the one you provided (Post #56).
Have you a recent order by leadership to members forbidding the shunning of "Apostates" by members?
In 1985, the First Presidency wrote,
We encourage Church members to forgive those who may have wronged them. To those who have ceased activity and to those who have become critical, we say, "Come back. Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints. (Church News, 22 Dec. 1985, p. 3.)Elder M. Russell Ballard wrote in 1990,
Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a person must refrain from judging. They must do all they can to show love.Jeffrey R. Holland wrote in 2007,The Lord has commanded, Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (D&C 64:910.) (A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings.)
Above all, keep your lines of communication open. Open communication between parents and children is a clear expression of love, and pure love, generously expressed, can transform family ties. But love for a family member does not extend to condoning unrighteous behavior. Your children are welcome to stay in your home, of course, but you have every right to exclude from your dwelling any behavior that offends the Spirit of the Lord. (Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction.)
Exactly what kind of "threat"? I asked you earlier what kind of a "danger"? Persons who carried weapons?
Physical or sexual abuse of a child would be one example. Child abuse is grounds for immediate excommunication. Although an excommunicated abuser may repent and return to the Church, his or her membership record receives an annotation warning of the past abuse. Such persons are not to be called to work with children or youth.