Calendar-maker ousted by LDS

Since its debut last year, the calendar has generated plenty of buzz on the social networking Internet sites MySpace and Facebook. Some have criticized Hardy for painting missionaries as "sex symbols" and contradicting church teachings that promote modesty. Others have rejoiced at his attempt to give young Mormon men a new image.

The LDS Church takes disciplinary action when leaders believe a person's behavior or actions are openly incompatible with the faith's teachings and could potentially damage the church.

On Friday a church spokeswoman declined to comment on Hardy or the calendar but said that "any church discipline is the result of actions, not beliefs." Decisions are made at the local level and are based on individual circumstances and merits, spokeswoman Kim Farah said.

Council hearings are designed to help members, not simply punish, and are considered a necessary step in repentance and part of a process of returning to full fellowship in the church, she said.

An excommunicated person is removed from official church rolls, although they are still welcome at church services. Excommunicated members are prohibited from receiving the sacrament and can't perform church callings such as teaching or preaching during meetings. They also cannot enter church temples.

The 2009 calendar — which drew 100 inquiries from interested missionaries — will be released in September.