The decision by the Mormon church to excommunicate the founder of a prominent women's group marks a stern statement at a time when the church is under pressure to recognize gay rights and allow women into the priesthood.
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Kate Kelly wipes a tear from her face during a vigil Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Salt Lake City. While Kelly's former church leaders meet in Virginia on Sunday night to decide if she'll be ousted from her church, the founder of a prominent Mormon women's group will hold a vigil in Salt Lake City along with hundreds of her supporters.
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In this Sunday, June 22, 2014, photo, Kate Kelly, the founder of a prominent Mormon women's group, center right, receives a hug from a supporter during a vigil, in Salt Lake City. Kelly could find out Monday if she will be excommunicated from her church.
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Kate Kelly receives a hug from a supporter after walking to the Church Office Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Salt Lake City. While Kelly's former church leaders meet in Virginia on Sunday night to decide if she'll be ousted from her church, the founder of a prominent Mormon women's group will hold a vigil in Salt Lake City along with hundreds of her supporters. The leader of Ordain Women is accused of apostasy, defined as repeated and public advocacy of positions that oppose church teachings.
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Kate Kelly, founder of Ordain Women, checks messages of support and requests for interviews during a quiet moment at a bed and breakfast near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City after getting an official message through email that she had been excommunicated, Monday, June 23, 2014. The excommunication is a rare move that brings down the harshest punishment available on an adherent, who created an organization and staged demonstrations in a push for women to join the faith's priesthood.
