The Excommunication of Bishop Sam Pinson and his Family in Ammon, Idaho Pt. 5 | Ep. 1325

Every once in a while we have an epic, multi-part Mormon Stories Podcast episode about a family who experiences a faith crisis together -- wherein multiple family members (including some of the children) participate in the re-telling of the story.

This is one of those episodes.

Sam and Sara Pinson were living the Mormon dream: raised in the LDS Church, married in the LDS temple, etc. Sam obtained his “dream job” working 5 years for Microsoft, and later left Microsoft to start his own business. The Pinson dream culminated in Sam and Sara moving to Ammon (Idaho Falls), Idaho, wherein Sam was called as a Mormon bishop. Everything seemed perfect - except it wasn’t.

- Their teenage daughter, Olivia, was questioning both the church, and her sexuality.
- Their son, Sam Jr., was suffering with Scrupulosity (religious OCD)
- And both Sam and Sara were beginning to question their Mormon faith while Sam was serving as bishop.

Today’s episode tells the story of how a devout Mormon family in Ammon, Idaho, led by a Mormon Bishop, can end up losing their faith in Mormonism in 2020. It also includes a full recounting of how Sam began to speak openly about his struggles with the church after losing his faith - leading to threats and ultimately a disciplinary council/excommunication. And yes, Sam recorded and is now sharing here the full audio of his excommunication (Part 6).

Sam’s wife Sara, along with two of their brilliant children - Olivia and Sam Jr. - also participate in this super-thoughtful story/discussion.

You will not be disappointed in this episode. HUGE thanks to Sam Sr., Sara, Olivia, and Sam Jr. for their willingness to join us on Mormon Stories Podcast and tell their epic story.

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Timecodes:
00:00 "How to not apostatize from the LDS church"
03:57 What role did internet resources play?
10:58 Disciplinary council
23:30 Sam has to keep bringing the SP back to why they are there
28:13 Decision was already taken
37:59 Criteria: weakening faith and opposing the church leaders
43:35 These are good people. The system fails
45:50 Talking about the actual charge. Sam jr. tell what he said
49:58 Desire to be excommunicated for telling the truth
50:58 Olivia tells what she experienced and said
52:00 Sara's turn
53:42 John telling about his own council
54:52 Sam reacting to the charges
59:45 Zero acknowledgement, no apologies, no empathy
1:01:08 Deliberations start, and within a minute Sam has to go in again
1:01:45 "We will excommunicate you because you asked us."
1:07:37 Sara wasn't disciplined
1:10:42 They excommunicate the biggest threats

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