SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 30, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — John Dehlin, longtime social activist, podcaster and outspoken critic of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says the organization’s modern-day practice of excommunication is “despicable” and “barbaric,” and needs to end.

Dehlin, creator and host of the popular Mormon Stories Podcasts, made the comments Tuesday in a wide-ranging conversation with reporter Bill Gephardt.

Dehlin spoke openly of his personal challenges in dealing with excommunication, as well as the devastating impact it initially had on family and friends. He also discussed the implied connection between the LDS Church’s 2015 decision to prevent children of same-sex households from becoming church members until they turn 18 years of age and a reported spike in LDS teen suicides.

To hear Dahlin’s comments for yourself, please click on the video player above.