Having your name removed from the records of the Church is not a private process. Bishop, stake president, ward clerk, stake clerk, ward council members, home teachers, visiting teachers all have to be made aware of the situation so that the decision properly respected. It is not private. It is a very public statement indicating that a person denounces the Church and its teachings. You don't have to be out on the local street corner holding a sign and screaming at folks in order for it to be a public statement.