SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The founder of a Mormon women’s group who was excommunicated this summer says she has lost her appeal.

Kate Kelly’s organization, Ordain Women, said Friday that her appeal was denied by regional church leaders in Virginia, where she used to live. Kelly says she will now appeal to the worldwide leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was found guilty of apostasy, defined as repeated and public advocacy of positions that oppose church teachings.

Church spokeswoman Kristen Howey said church discipline is a private matter between members and their local leaders.

Ordain Women was founded in 2013 to push for women to be allowed in the all-male lay clergy. The group staged demonstrations outside two church conferences, drawing criticism from church leaders.

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