Understanding Apostasy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Explore what apostasy means within the LDS Church, how it's defined, and its implications for members.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 9, 2026

Branched from How the LDS Church Disciplines Members and Handles Excommunication

Quick take

Apostasy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refers to persistent actions in opposition to its core doctrines or authority.
It's more than private disbelief; it involves public teaching of false doctrine, opposing leaders, or formal affiliation with another church.
Such actions can lead to formal Church disciplinary councils, potentially resulting in disfellowshipment or excommunication.
The Church emphasizes repentance and reconciliation even in cases involving apostasy.

Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, apostasy is defined as persistent actions or teachings that are in direct opposition to the fundamental doctrines, covenants, or established authority of the Church. It's not simply a matter of doubt, inactivity, or quietly disagreeing with certain points, but rather an active and sustained effort to undermine or oppose the Church's teachings or leadership.

What Constitutes Apostasy?

The Church's definition of apostasy focuses on specific behaviors rather than private thoughts or personal struggles with faith. While individual members may experience doubts or periods of inactivity, these are generally not considered apostasy unless accompanied by overt actions that challenge the Church's foundational principles. The intent behind the action is a significant factor in how it is viewed.

Common actions that the Church defines as apostasy include:

Teaching doctrines contrary to the official teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Publicly or privately opposing or criticizing Church leaders or their counsel in a persistent and damaging way.
Formally joining another church and actively advocating for its teachings while still claiming membership in the LDS Church.
Abandoning the Church and its doctrines while actively seeking to persuade others to do the same or to speak against it.

It's important to distinguish apostasy from simply becoming inactive or quietly stepping away from Church participation. While inactivity means a member is no longer attending or fulfilling their callings, it doesn't automatically imply opposition to the Church or its teachings. Apostasy, on the other hand, involves a more direct and often public stance against the Church.

Why and When it Matters

Understanding the Church's definition of apostasy is crucial because it delineates the boundaries for acceptable discourse and behavior within the faith community. For Church leaders, it provides a framework for addressing situations where a member's actions are seen as actively undermining the spiritual well-being of the congregation or the integrity of Church doctrine. For members, it clarifies that personal questions or quiet disbelief are different from overt opposition.

When actions rise to the level of apostasy, it can lead to formal Church disciplinary councils. These councils are convened to address serious transgressions and, in cases of apostasy, aim to help the individual repent and reconcile with the Church, if possible. Outcomes can range from formal counsel to disfellowshipment (temporary loss of some Church privileges) or, in severe and unrepentant cases, excommunication (loss of Church membership). The stated goal of all disciplinary councils, even those involving apostasy, is to help the individual return to full fellowship and repentance.

Is expressing doubts or asking difficult questions considered apostasy?

Generally, no. The Church encourages sincere inquiry and study. Apostasy typically involves persistent, public opposition or teaching false doctrines, not private questioning or struggles with faith.

Can someone repent of apostasy?

Yes. The Church teaches that repentance is always possible. Disciplinary councils, even for apostasy, are primarily designed to help individuals repent and return to full fellowship, though the process can be lengthy and require significant changes in behavior and belief.

Is quietly leaving the Church considered apostasy?

Not necessarily. While a member may choose to become inactive or even formally resign their membership, this act alone isn't defined as apostasy. Apostasy specifically refers to actively opposing or teaching against the Church, rather than simply disengaging.

What happens if a member is found to be apostate?

If a member's actions are determined to be apostate, a Church disciplinary council may be convened. Depending on the severity of the actions and the individual's willingness to repent, the outcomes can include formal counsel, disfellowshipment, or excommunication. The primary aim is always to encourage repentance and reconciliation.