But it is not for the church to judge the individual sins (as opposed to the sin of failing to repent and believe) of those outside the church.I certainly agree that the purpose of discipline is restoration, but I'm not so sure the church is doing the best thing in this case. If the woman has left the church I'm not sure what good will come from bringing it in front of the entire congregation. I agree the session and her pastor should pursue reconciliation and repentance, but does that include making her known in front of the entire congregation at this point if she no longer considers herself a member? I don't think it is, but I admire the church for confronting sin...
Consider the larger theological picture. Why did Christ proclaim the truth to the Jews, knowing they would reject Him?
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
Church discipline is not only a call to repentance for the one who has sinned, it is also a warning to those who haven't. That is why the the process is to be followed and completed.
The final action of a church court in the event of obstinate unrepentance is to publicly declare the person to be outside the local body of Christ. This woman has already publicly said that about herself, by her actions in leaving the church while under disciplinary action. Like a defendant at a trial standing in the middle of the courtroom and saying "I am guilty" there is then no need for the judge and jury to deliberate on exactly what evidence convicted the court of their guilt.
Normally, at excommunication, it is necessary to state to the congregation the nature of the offence for which the guilty party is unrepentant. As unpleasant as that may be, the congregation needs to know that there really was just cause for the excommunication. But if a member quits while under disciplinary investigation or prosecution then that itself if sufficient warrant for their excommunication, for they have effectively excommunicated themselves. There is then no further need to publicly give details of which particular sins they were being investigated for.
I would point you to the January 2009 issue of Tabletalk magazine. Read the article, "Principle vs. Pragmatism."