Denver Snuffer Reports He Has Been Excommunicated; While Unjust, It Will Not Change My Attitude Towards The LDS Church

Update December 10th: Denver Snuffer reports that the First Presidency turned down his appeal and upheld his excommunication.

I really thought that Denver Snuffer's activity in the LDS Church and his repeated expressions of loyalty towards the Church and the Gospel would prevent his excommunication. But apparently I was wrong. Denver Snuffer reports that on Tuesday September 10th, 2013, while preparing to give a talk in Boise Idaho, his stake president, Truman Hunt, called to tell him he'd been excommunicated. He will receive the official paperwork later. Ironically, this occurs on precisely the 40th anniversary of his baptism into the Church.

Brother Snuffer continues to respond with class. This excerpt from the written response he sent to Truman Hunt, declining any further face-to-face meetings, stands out:

"In any event, again we would like to thank you for your service. We know this has been difficult and bear no resentment for you or anyone involved. I am saddened, even ashamed that there wasn't an open process which allowed my children to have this important opportunity. I've prized the underlying principles of the gospel which involve persuasion, knowledge, meekness and avoid control, compulsion and dominion. I wanted my children to witness this glorious process in which men of good faith and belief come together to work through an important disagreement. I had wanted them to behold the Spirit leading to unity".

Excommunicants can continue to attend LDS religious services, but may not partake of the Sacrament, pay tithing, hold any callings, or officiate in any way. An excommunication remains in force for a minimum of one year, although an excommunicant can begin working back towards full membership at any time. Local ward leadership will work with someone who sincerely wants to return to membership.

While I consider Brother Snuffer's excommunication unjust, I do not intent to allow it to affect my attitude towards the Church. Since Jesus Christ is willing to work with imperfect human beings to establish His kingdom on earth, it is appropriate for us to continue to sustain imperfect leaders in positions of power, so long as there is no priestcraft or moral turpitude. Here's what hasn't changed:

(1). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains the truest church on earth, and the only church with legal priesthood authority. It remains the only church where one can be legally married for eternity as well as for time, and where one can legally perform proxy redemptive ordinances for one's kindred dead.

(2). The Book of Mormon remains the authoritative Word of God, equal in status to the Bible. As Joseph Smith once said, it is the most correct book on the face of the earth.

(3). Joseph Smith was still a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, as are each one of his successors.

Those who are distressed over the excommunication of Denver Snuffer would be best advised to pray for the spiritual welfare of both Snuffer and his stake president, Truman Hunt. I am confident that Hunt was not overjoyed at making this decision; it must have been a thorn in his flesh.

Reaction: Tim Malone has published an extended analysis on Latter-Day Commentary. He shares the contents of an email from someone who was highly critical of Snuffer and labeled him an apostate. But while Malone says he's not a follower of Snuffer, he writes "...I feel impressed of the spirit to continue in my quest to understand what Denver Snuffer has shared. I need to finish some of his books and intend to re-read parts of PtHG and especially The Second Comforter. I learn something new each time I invest the time to read and ponder what I can apply that will bring me closer to my goal of opening the heavens and be taught what the Lord wants me to know".

LDS Anarchy has published a detailed and superb analysis of the Church's perspective on apostasy and a discussion of the disciplinary council process. Citing evidence from D & C Section 102, LDS Anarchist suggests that disciplinary councils today have strayed from their original intended purpose. There used to be three separate types of Church courts -- the Bishop's Court, the Elder's Court, and the High Priest's Court. These have been replaced by the disciplinary council; the Stake judges all Melchizedek Priesthood holders, while the Ward Bishop can judge all other members. LDS Anarchist believes a presumption of guilt has replaced the presumption of innocence. In response to this post, Denver Smuffer published the following comment:

My wife brought this to my attention this morning and recommended I read it. I rarely fail to follow her counsel. I’m grateful to both her and you for the above analysis.

We all have an obligation to both one another and to the Lord. Balancing between those two on matters of conscience and devotion can become so difficult a challenge that time, patience, meekness, gentleness, love and pure knowledge ought to inform anything we do or say.

I have more compassion for those who are put into the awful role of being “judge” than the role of being judged. We often presume that Christ delegates and then is bound by men’s judgments. His explanation in 3 Ne. 27: 27 makes it clear that even His chosen 12 cannot substitute their judgement for His. There truly is only one “keeper of the gate” and “no servant” is employed there. 2 Ne. 9: 41. We all ought to take some comfort that, in the end, no matter how we jar and abuse one another, the Lord will sort it out and wipe away every tear in that last judgment which does matter. Rev. 7: 17; Rev. 21: 4.

We weep here. He will comfort us. Hence His other title: The Second Comforter.

Denver Snuffer's Disciplinary Council Ends Inconclusively, No Decision Announced; Excommunication Seems Less Likely Now

Update December 10th: Denver Snuffer reports that the First Presidency turned down his appeal and upheld his excommunication.

The stake disciplinary council held for Denver Snuffer on Sunday September 8th, 2013 has ended inconclusively and no decision rendered, according to reports from both Denver Snuffer's blog and the Salt Lake Tribune. The controversy centered around Snuffer's book "Passing The Heavenly Gift", which some Church leaders insisted was an act of apostasy, accusing Snuffer of mischaracterizing doctrine, denigrating virtually every prophet since Joseph Smith, and placing the Church in a negative light.

Brother Snuffer was a bit cryptic in his report. He brought his wife and children to the hearing so they could see that he wasn't being tried for immoral conduct. The stake president, Truman Hunt, was willing to allow his wife into the hearing, but not the children, which provoked a one-hour discussion between Snuffer and Truman Hunt. During the discussion, President Hunt clarified it was only about a book. When Snuffer said he was still worthy of a temple recommend, President Hunt agreed. Snuffer also explicitly bore his testimony to his children, pointing to both President Hunt and his bishop, and telling his children that he sustained them in their positions. But it was the Tribune which definitively stated that no decision was rendered on Sunday night, and so as far as Snuffer knows, he's still a member of the Church in good standing as of this post. Update: Since this post, Denver Snuffer reports that a decision was made, but he has yet to receive the letter revealing it. Update September 11th: Denver Snuffer reports that he has been informed of his excommunication.

LDS Church spokeswoman Ruth Todd provided this response to the Tribune in an email: "Because of the personal nature of church disciplinary matters and to respect the privacy of those involved, we don’t provide information about the proceedings. Church discipline is administered by local leaders who are familiar with the individual and his or her circumstances."

But while Church discipline may be administered by local leaders, it does not preclude "command influence" being applied to local leaders from the top down. A post on the LDS Freedom Forum reveals which General Authorities may have been pushing the inquiry. They cite a March 2013 email from Tim Malone of Latter-day Commentary which states “Snuffer's stake presidency was also leaned on by SLC to ex him. They told SLC to take a flying leap because they knew Snuffer well and knew he wasn't apostate. In fact, until recently, he was on the High Council. Elders Christoffersen and Rasband have been assigned to read all of Snuffer's stuff and get back to the SP later.” This is in reference to Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy. What was not revealed was WHO assigned Elders Christofferson and Rasband to read Snuffer's writings; such an assignment could only come from someone senior to both of them. This means either Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve, or perhaps the First Presidency itself. In case the LDSFF post is pulled, here's a screenshot:

Prognosis: I now believe that excommunication and/or disfellowshipment has become much less likely. The most likely sanction might be some form of informal probation; Snuffer may be asked to give up his temple recommend for a year. Here's the reason for my optimism:

(1). Inconclusive outcome. Disciplinary councils normally render negative decisions on the same day they are convened. The failure to reach a conclusion indicates the council may have been uncertain about the charges in the first place.

(2). Snuffer maintained a professional Christ-like attitude throughout this ordeal, repeatedly expressing loyalty to the Church and his Priesthood chain of command. He disavowed any intent to become a "One Mighty And Strong".

(3). Snuffer made some attempts to meet them partway, specifically saying that he had no intent to speak about or promote Passing the Heavenly Gift during his upcoming tour which begins in Boise on September 10th.

Update: Turns out I was wrong. Denver Snuffer now reports he has been excommunicated.

LDS Author Denver Snuffer Gets Publicity In The Salt Lake Tribune; Snuffer Reaffirms His Loyalty To The Gospel And The Church

Update September 9th: Denver Snuffer's disciplinary council hearing ends inconclusively; updated post HERE. Subsequently, Snuffer reported he was excommunicated.

The mainstream media has finally picked up on the Denver Snuffer controversy. Peggy Fletcher Stack, who on her best day could never be confused with LDS spokeswoman Ruth Todd, has published a short article in the Salt Lake Tribune that really adds little to existing reports circulating on the Web except to opine that unlike most earlier high-profile cases of church discipline against Mormon intellectuals such as the September Six, Snuffer is no liberal.

The Tribune recorded reaction from both sides. While Snuffer intends to defend himself at the disciplinary council to be chaired by his stake president, Truman Hunt, on Sunday September 8th, he says he fully expects to be excommunicated. "I think [my stake president] has received instructions to do so from downtown [LDS Church headquarters]," Snuffer says. "I believe the decision has already been made to excommunicate me." Snuffer says the outcome will not change his religious behavior. In fact, he continues to rejoice over the fact that he joined the Church in 1973, and he simply wants to alert Latter-day Saints about Joseph Smith’s prophecies on the end times that they are unwittingly fulfilling.

But LDS officials say that church discipline is left to local leaders, and the Tribune cited content from a letter Truman Hunt wrote to Snuffer, stating "I am not anxious to chase people out of the church...My goal is the opposite — to enable all to enjoy the blessings of the gospel." The story has triggered 720 comments so far, most of which are drivel.

Denver Snuffer continues to update us on his blog. In a post entitled "Compliance (So Far As Possible)", he says he can't cease publication of Passing The Heavenly Gift because would involve violation of agreements between him and others, even though the Church offered him money as compensation for potential liability. He also states he never intended to speak or promote Passing the Heavenly Gift during his upcoming tour; he says it has to do with the scriptures and promoting them.

In another post entitled "Contentment", Brother Snuffer vigorously proclaims his continued loyalty to the Gospel and the Church:

Tomorrow [Sept. 8] will not end my love of this restored faith, though it may cost me some "things" that the organized entity claiming to own the faith thinks it can remove. I'm reconciled to that potential loss. But I'm also reconciled to these few truths underlying my faith:

-- God spoke to me BEFORE I joined the LDS church. If He hadn't, I wouldn't have joined.
-- God has continued to speak to me since.
-- Administrative allocation of membership numbers, status and privileges inside an organization don't matter much to God. I know that because I've been the least of the Latter-day Saints and He has taken note of me.
-- God will continue to have fellowship with me.
-- The religion I believe has existed from eternity and will continue into eternity. Therefore, a temporary, corporate organization that is owned by a sole individual, which IS The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints won't survive beyond the veil. There you leave behind your money. You can't buy or sell in that better place. Since I've been there already, the turbulence here is of little moment to me.
-- Souls matter. Yours, mine the living and the dead. God is more compassionate that we are. No matter how serious we take our organizations, our things, the souls of mankind are infinitely more valuable than commerce between ourselves.
-- I have an assignment given to me I intend to discharge. It is because I love God and therefore love His children. It will cost me a great deal to accomplish that. Not only ire of the organization, but the money I will spend to accomplish the task.
-- I am converted. Not to things, but to God. Whatever stuff is taken away, that will remain.

Being that this is an imperfect Church with imperfect human beings, not all excommunications in the past proved to be valid. German LDS member Helmuth Hübener was excommunicated after his arrest by the Gestapo in 1942 for publicly opposing the National Socialist regime which ruled Germany. However, the official who excommunicated him, Arthur Zander, was a fervent member of the NSDAP, even to the extent of affixing notices to the church door stating "Jews not welcome" beginning in 1938. After the end of World War II, when the excesses of the National Socialist regime became fully manifested, the Church posthumously reinstated Hübener in 1946. So it is not impossible for an LDS member to be wrongfully disciplined.

Initially, LDS members primarily took two sides on this issue, with people like Tim Malone vigorously supporting Snuffer, while others, some suspected of being COB (Church Office Building) flaks, portraying Snuffer as an "apostate" (read some of the comments HERE). However, a third position has emerged, as expressed on LDS Alive In Christ. Jared suggests that Denver Snuffer started out well, but may have been deceived with the passage of time. Jared writes:

After reading his first book in 2007 I was excited. I talked with him a couple of times and prayed about his message, I was surprised when I began to feel uneasy, so I decided not to read any of his other books. I took a wait and see attitude. That’s the reason I haven’t read PTHG except for the first chapter. Over the years, I’ve kept up with him by reading others bloggers and reading his blog.

Even though I haven’t read all of his books I know enough about his message to offer a few thoughts on his work. Denver is a gifted researcher and writer. After reading his first book it was evident that he was going to become well known in Mormon circles.

His first book was written in April 2006. Today, Sept 6, 2013, he is on the verge of losing his church membership. Denver changed course from writing faith-supporting books, where now, in his latest book he undermines the credibility of the church and its leaders. To use the words of his Stake President Denver denigrates LDS prophets from Joseph Smith to President Monson.

I am very uncomfortable with the idea of a stake president asking Denver Snuffer to break commitments. This whole sequence may prove to be justified, but the execution is ham-handed.

Denver Snuffer Called To An LDS Disciplinary Council Over His Book "Passing The Heavenly Gift", Faces Disfellowshipment Or Excommunication

Update September 9th: Denver Snuffer's disciplinary council hearing ends inconclusively; updated post HERE. Subsequently, Snuffer reported he was excommunicated.

Back in March 2013, I reported that Tim Malone, the editor of Latter-Day Commentary, had speculated that Denver Snuffer, who has written eight books, was being investigated for possible Church discipline, and that the investigation was coming to a head. Malone did not give a specific reason at the time, though.

Now it's come to a head. Denver Snuffer has posted a letter from his stake president on his blog without any personal commentary. He is invited to appear before a disciplinary council to be held at the Sandy Utah Crescent Stake Center on September 8th, 2013. Presiding will be the stake president, Truman Hunt; also in attendance will be the stake high council and Snuffer's bishop. In a second post, Snuffer explained why he posted the letter, saying that he did not want anyone to attend any of his upcoming talks, including the first in Boise, without making them aware they were listening to someone who has church discipline pending. Snuffer also says there's no need for anyone to write letters to the Church defending him; he would just as soon let this run its course.

Update August 26th: In a new post entitled "Current Events", Snuffer provides more background. He says his previous stake president defended him against allegations of "apostasy" put forth by the Strengthening the Members Committee, which is apparently behind this kerfluffle. He warned Snuffer that the new stake president (Truman Hunt) would be the "Pharaoh that knew not Joseph". Snuffer says President Hunt has investigated, delayed, discussed this with him, pushed back against LDS headquarters, has been called in for "training", and received input from the top leadership in the church. He told Snuffer a great deal at the start about what was going on behind the scenes, which matched what the former stake president had been telling him during his tenure. Snuffer says he will continue to try to help the Church regardless of its opinion of him, and he simply has no axe to grind no matter the outcome on September 8th. What a Christ-like attitude!

The question to be considered by the stake disciplinary council is whether or not Snuffer's book, "Passing The Heavenly Gift", is considered apostasy. If the council concludes that the book is an act of apostasy, the only alternatives are disfellowshipment or excommunication. President Hunt does not seem enthusiastic about convening this council, which makes me wonder if he is being pressured by Church headquarters. Nevertheless, President Hunt suggests the "Passing The Heavenly Gift" is not constructive to the work of salvation or the promotion of faith in the Gospel. He considers the book's thesis to be in direct conflict with Church doctrine, and he accuses Snuffer of mischaracterizing Church doctrine, denigrating every prophet since Joseph Smith, and placing the Church in a negative light, although he does concede that the book tries to bridge the gap between the Church and its dissidents.

President Hunt imposes three conditions for Snuffer to avert the disciplinary council:

(1). Remove "Passing The Heavenly Gift" from circulation.

(2). Acknowledge to readers of his blog that "Passing The Heavenly Gift" contains content that needs to be withdrawn.

(3). Cancel his planned speaking tour which begins in September.

I have not read "Passing The Heavenly Gift", so I cannot personally rule out the possibility that there may be some foundation for concern. Here's a description of the book from Amazon:

Mormonism has undergone four distinct phases. The first began in 1820 and ended with Joseph Smith’s death in 1844. The second began upon Joseph Smith’s death and ended with abandonment of plural marriage, publicly in 1890 and privately in 1904. In the third phase Mormonism denounced as apostasy its practice of plural wives, marking the first time an orthodox practice became grounds for excommunication. The fourth phase began with David O. McKay and is still underway. In it Mormonism has adopted corporate management techniques to consolidate and direct central church decision-making. The first phase was innovative and expansive, continually adding doctrine, scripture, teachings and ordinances. Subsequent phases have curtailed, abandoned, even denounced earlier teaching and doctrine. Phases two through four have all abandoned doctrine. Growth in these subsequent phases has been defined in terms of political influence, financial gains, cultural inroads, and population growth; while the underlying religion has been curtailed. Today, marketing the institution has become more important to Mormon success than preserving the original religious content. The changes from phase to phase have completely transformed Mormonism, sharing a vocabulary but redefining the terms. Modern Mormonism has now institutionalized change. For the first time in this book Mormonism is candidly described in terms which track the changes by examining doctrine, teachings and practices. Interestingly, the passing of the heavenly gift was anticipated by Joseph Smith’s prophecies and the Book of Mormon.

While it may be harsh to say that the Church "abandoned doctrine" in phases two through four, I find nothing in the description alone that would hint of apostasy. As a matter of fact, Denver Snuffer has gone out of his way to assure readers that he is neither trying to supersede the General Authorities nor promoting apostasy. Snuffer himself made this abundantly clear in this post:

1. I sustain today’s church leaders as prophets, seers and revelators. The scriptures give them the right to use those titles (D&C 107: 92). They preside, and it is their right to do so. They have our common consent and ought to be upheld by our “confidence, faith and prayers” (D&C 107: 22). I uphold them in this way. They carry heavy burdens and have my sympathy, not my judgment, for any human frailties they display.

2. It is utterly untrue that I have said the church is apostate. I reject the accusation. If the narrative I suggest in PTHG is true, then the Lord’s post-Nauvoo ire is evidence the Lord is still watching over and intends to further His work with the members of this church. Those whom He loves, He chastens. (Heb. 12: 5-11; Helaman 12: 3; D&C 95: 1.) Mine is not a faithless, but a faith filled history. I’ve reiterated this before and reiterate it again. (See my post: The Traditions of Men, Part 1, April 21, 2010.)

Tim Malone has posted another defense of Denver Snuffer on Latter-day Commentary. He notes that if Snuffer is excommunicated, he would have to answer the temple recommend question “Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” for himself with a little bit more thought". Since Denver Snuffer wishes no harm upon the Church, my answer would still be No. Other reaction has been posted on LDS Anarchy and Wheat and Tares, and some comments on Pure Mormonism.

If the LDS Church can excommunicate Denver Snuffer, then Samuel the Lamanite must be thankful he came forth when he did. Could you imagine what would happen if Samuel the Lamanite started crying repentance in downtown Salt Lake today?

LDS Author Denver Snuffer Vigorously Denies Superseding The General Authorities Or Promoting Apostasy

Update September 9th: Denver Snuffer's disciplinary council hearing ends inconclusively; updated post HERE. Subsequently, Snuffer reported he was excommunicated.

Update August 25th: Denver Snuffer has been called to attend a disciplinary council on September 8th over his book Passing The heavenly Gift. Updated post HERE.

The name Denver Snuffer provokes strong reaction within the ranks of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some believe he truly has the "heavenly gift", while others suggest he's positioning himself as a "One Mighty And Strong" character. Even the senior leadership of the Church is mindful; on Latter-day Commentary, Tim Malone suggests that Snuffer is being investigated for possible disciplinary action, and that the investigation may be coming to a head.

Denver Snuffer is the author of eight books. These include The Second Comforter: Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil, Nephi's Isaiah, Eighteen Verses, Ten Parables, Beloved Enos, Come, Let Us Adore Him, Removing the Condemnation, and Passing the Heavenly Gift. The first and last books on the list generate the most interest and discussion within the LDS community, since not everyone gets the First Comforter, and it is almost unheard of to get the Second Comforter. The First Comforter is the Holy Ghost, but when we are baptized and confirmed as members of the Church, we do not automatically get the Holy Ghost, but are commanded to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus confirmation opens up a channel for us to access the Holy Ghost -- if we choose to use it. The Second Comforter is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.

Since Passing The Heavenly Gift is the most-discussed book, here's the description of it from Amazon:

Mormonism has undergone four distinct phases. The first began in 1820 and ended with Joseph Smith’s death in 1844. The second began upon Joseph Smith’s death and ended with abandonment of plural marriage, publicly in 1890 and privately in 1904. In the third phase Mormonism denounced as apostasy its practice of plural wives, marking the first time an orthodox practice became grounds for excommunication. The fourth phase began with David O. McKay and is still underway. In it Mormonism has adopted corporate management techniques to consolidate and direct central church decision-making. The first phase was innovative and expansive, continually adding doctrine, scripture, teachings and ordinances. Subsequent phases have curtailed, abandoned, even denounced earlier teaching and doctrine. Phases two through four have all abandoned doctrine. Growth in these subsequent phases has been defined in terms of political influence, financial gains, cultural inroads, and population growth; while the underlying religion has been curtailed. Today, marketing the institution has become more important to Mormon success than preserving the original religious content. The changes from phase to phase have completely transformed Mormonism, sharing a vocabulary but redefining the terms. Modern Mormonism has now institutionalized change. For the first time in this book Mormonism is candidly described in terms which track the changes by examining doctrine, teachings and practices. Interestingly, the passing of the heavenly gift was anticipated by Joseph Smith’s prophecies and the Book of Mormon.

The description of the phases is factual, although a bit heavy-handed. I consider it more precise to say that the LDS Church, with the passage of time, has actually clarified its doctrine and better delineated between hardcore doctrine, evolved tradition, and unsubstantiated folklore. Because of the principle of continuing revelation, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve are subject to inspiration or revelation at any time the Lord deems it appropriate for His servants to make course corrections.

However, the fact that I might consider Snuffer's assessment a bit heavy-handed in no way impinges upon his worthiness as a member. While I've not read any of his books, I've read enough of his blog, as well as this review of Passing The Heavenly Gift published by Tim Malone, to conclude that Denver Snuffer is neither trying to supersede the General Authorities nor promoting apostasy. Snuffer himself makes this abundantly clear in this post:

1. I sustain today’s church leaders as prophets, seers and revelators. The scriptures give them the right to use those titles (D&C 107: 92). They preside, and it is their right to do so. They have our common consent and ought to be upheld by our “confidence, faith and prayers” (D&C 107: 22). I uphold them in this way. They carry heavy burdens and have my sympathy, not my judgment, for any human frailties they display.

2. It is utterly untrue that I have said the church is apostate. I reject the accusation. If the narrative I suggest in PTHG is true, then the Lord’s post-Nauvoo ire is evidence the Lord is still watching over and intends to further His work with the members of this church. Those whom He loves, He chastens. (Heb. 12: 5-11; Helaman 12: 3; D&C 95: 1.) Mine is not a faithless, but a faith filled history. I’ve reiterated this before and reiterate it again. (See my post: The Traditions of Men, Part 1, April 21, 2010.)

There you have it. Denver Snuffer remains an absolutely faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The fact that the Church may be investigating him for a possible disciplinary council is no guarantor that he will be disfellowshipped or excommunicated, or that such a council will actually take place. By the way, Snuffer says that any royalties he receives from the sale of his books are donated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.