01: In 1993, a group of leading Mormon theologians and scholars (known as the “September six” in the media) were excommunicated for their heterodox views.
Ten years later, the independent Mormon magazineSunstone devotes some of its December issue to the religious journeys of these “heretics.” In a singular and unique tradition such as Mormonism, the question of where the excommunicated goes for a religious life is complex, judging by these accounts. Most of the writers still feel in some ways connected to the Mormon tradition, yet they have often ventured far from the official church.
Former Mormon theologian Paul Toscano admits that he has lost his faith, while feminist scholar Maxine Hanks has become a priestess in the Gnostic Church (while still writing and teaching about Mormonism). Historian of early Mormonism D. Michael Quinn is religiously uninvolved while Lavina Fielding Anderson still faithfully attends her Mormon ward despite being prohibited from partaking of the sacrament.
For more information on this issue, write: Sunstone, 343 N. Third West, Salt Lake City, UT 84103-1215