But that is to say “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”.

I agree. I read this in the comments section of another blog, and it hit the nail on the head for me: If John is excommunicated, that tells members even trying to help others stay in the church is worthy of discipline. Because John is also supportive of LGBTQ rights, by threatening him more than once the church has clearly stated members who support gay marriage will not be welcomed.

Thanks for commenting. John has done a lot for me, too, and we have had a few close discussions about dissonance and church discipline. He is the epitome of President Uchtdorf’s talk from last fall.

You pray that people will leave the church? That’s Christlike of you.

wow. i’ve never read this blog before and never expected to comment, but your comment was like a punch in the gut. John Dehlin’s works have been an incredible source of strength and comfort to me this past year since my husband has told me he no longer believes in the gospel. you hope and pray that i will leave the church because there may no longer be anywhere for me to work through my doubts, fears, and challenges? that is incredibly hurtful and unchristlike.

I hope you’re right, LL, but I’m still going to continue holding back on what I post, as I have been for the last year or so.

Good point. But will it become something it’s not currently?

I never said he did.

They are not trying to shut the door on Bloggernacle discussions. They are trying to shut the door on public confrontations with the media present. Hardly anybody on the Bloggernacle (outside of FMH) is engaging in that. So I say blog away and relax. But keep demands for change out of the mainstream media.