My Only Official Facebook Post about Excommunication

I wrote the following yesterday, and it is my only official post on Facebook about the issue of excommunication. I thought I would post it here, as well – just to share my hopes and concerns about the overall issue. It is not academic or analytical (from my brain); it is personal (from my heart):

This will be my only post about the excommunication issue that is lighting up the Mormon internet currently – and it will not be about excommunication itself. I have said I hope neither Sister Kelly nor Brother Dehlin is excommunicated, but I also said I can understand, both intellectually and emotionally, why that might occur in each case. I want to address only one thing about this situation: the human tendency toward hyperbole and extremes when hurt or frustrated or angry to any degree. I do NOT want comments about the situation itself, since there are plenty of other conversations where that can occur.

Frustration, anger, grief, disappointment, fear, protection reflex, etc. all are normal, natural and necessary things. There is nothing wrong or improper about them in trying, difficult situations. It is important, however, to find a way to move toward compassion, love, understanding, etc. as quickly as possible (which time period will vary for each person) – and that generally requires stepping back, taking deep breaths and honestly and sincerely seeking to understand the view that caused the pain in the first place.

All issues related exclusively to excommunication aside, I am saddened just as much by so many responses I have read by people arguing both sides of the issue – not that they were stated but that I fear they will not be followed by the contemplation that leads to healing. I am most concerned about uncharitable charges of others lacking charity, since it can be so difficult for physicians to heal themselves.

My hope, simply, is that the kind of vitriolic reviling I have seen online, from both sides of the discussion, can be replaced by sincere attempts to understand the other side – even if, ultimately, positions do not change one bit. I hope disagreement over this situation leads to better understanding, compassion and love. Anyone who demands acceptance must give acceptance – sometimes prior to being accepted. It’s not easy; in fact, it can be very difficult; but, it’s the right thing.

Two wrongs truly don’t make a right.