Two Mormon Activists Facing Excommunication

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The founder of a Mormon women's group pushing for gender equality says the church is trying to excommunicate her.

Kate Kelly says she was shocked and dismayed when she received a letter this week from her bishop in Virginia informing her of a disciplinary hearing June 22. Two months ago Kelly led hundreds in a demonstration to shed light on gender inequality in the religion, defying church orders to stay off Temple Square.

John Dehlin, creator of a blog called "Mormon Stories" that provides a forum for church members questioning their faith, is also facing excommunication. The church said Wednesday night there's room for questions about the faith, but that some members' actions could "lead others astray." Dehlin received his letter from a local church leader in Logan on Monday, giving him until June 18 to resign from the faith or face an excommunication hearing.

Kelly and Dehlin both hope to be allowed to continue to be members of a church that they love and that has been a part of their lives since birth. Both served Mormon missions and were married in temples