The repentant should always have the opportunity to repent and return to God. God decides who is in the covenant; we typically do not. Sometimes, of course, those in authority must make decisions about a person’s official status in the covenant community. While the Book of Mormon text does not discuss this particular administrative option by name, it is excommunication, related to the function of the bishop (or stake president) as a “common judge” in Israel. Daniel H. Ludlow explains:
Excommunication is the most severe form of discipline or penalty that can presently be imposed by a Church court. It consists in severing the person from his Church ties so that he can no longer be considered a member of the Church. If the excommunicant subsequently repents, proves to be faithful, and is found qualified and worthy by the appropriate Church authorities, he may be readmitted to the Church through baptism. Following further testing and proven faithfulness, the former blessings of the readmitted member may also be restored. Excommunication differs from disfellowshipment in its severity and in the steps that must be followed before the person can again become a member of the Church in good standing.