D&C 102

 This section is about the purpose, process, and duties of high councilors and presidencies in disciplinary councils.  Instead of quoting verses in this section, I wanted to share an experience.  As I do, it should be noted that I served both as a high councilor and member of stake presidency in many such councils.

In the year 2000, I was called to be the newest member of the stake high council.  I felt unqualified, inexperienced, and quite intimidated.  I surely wanted to hide in my chair and go unnoticed.

Shortly after my calling, I participated in my first disciplinary council.  I studied the 102nd Section of the Doctrine and Covenants in preparation.  Fortunately, if I remember right, my lot was the fifth seat.  As the council proceeded with an elderly brother, I felt some strong feelings develop about what should be the final outcome.  At the conclusion of facts, the stake president (whom I really felt intimidated by) only asked for recommendations from the first four seats.  The majority of the recommendations were for excommunication.  I honestly continued to have this, what I felt was a spiritual impression, was for disfellowshipment, and I had my thoughts and reasons why.  The presidency convened to discuss the matter in the stake president's office.  As we waited for their return and decision, I had the feeling that I could not agree with excommunication without being heard. I remember being highly troubled by this response.  Could I be a sole troublemaker, in a sense?  As the presidency returned and recommended disfellowshipment I was very much relieved.  I don't think that ever happened again.  I don't thing I ever told anyone.