Hawkes, who is a neuro-psychologist, was accused of “offenses of immorality and contempt for the established order of the church.”

Dr. Nan Hawkes, who was scheduled to appear before a Second Presbyterian Church judicial commission this month over charges of slander, bickering and gossip against leadership, has resigned her membership.

Her friend, Jan Wardle, who was told to leave the choir after publicly supporting Hawkes, also has left.

Robb Roaten, (director of communications and) church spokesman, said Wednesday the church would have no comment.

Even before she’d decided to leave, Hawkes, 59, had been told not to come to church.

After the possibility of her excommunication was revealed Feb. 16, a letter from the church was delivered to her home Feb. 18 by private courier.

The letter said: “It is with sadness that the Session of Second Presbyterian Church directs you, effective today, no longer to appear on the campus of Second Presbyterian Church except to appear at the request of the Session’s judicial commission trying your case, until all matters before that commission are concluded.”

Hawkes’ problems at Second began nearly two years ago when she was accused of slandering senior minister Sandy Willson.

She doesn’t deny calling Willson a “narcissist,” but believes her real crime was continuing to push for women elders.

“Anyone who takes on the establishment is difficult,” Hawkes said.