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Excommunication is a drastic step that may result in cutting ties with other members of that church as well. In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], to be excommunicated mainly results in being prohibited from receiving the sacraments (but not removed from the jurisdiction of the Church). If certain conditions are met, the order may later be lifted.

Excommunication is a drastic step that may result in cutting ties with other members of that church as well. In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], to be excommunicated mainly results in being prohibited from receiving the sacraments (but not removed from the jurisdiction of the Church). If certain conditions are met, the order may later be lifted.

The concept of excommunication is discussed in the [[New Testament]] and was made famous during the [[Middle Ages]] and [[Renaissance]] periods in references to the [[Catholic Church]]. It continues to be practised into the 21st century. It is also utilized by churches such as the [[Conservative Mennonites]], [[Amish]], and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. The former two practice 'shunning' and the Witnesses refer to their practice as 'disfellowshipping'.<ref>Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. "Discipline That Can Yield Peacable Fruit" in ''The Watchtower''; (April 15, 1988) [http://www.watchtower.org/e/19880415/article_01.htm]</ref>

The concept of excommunication is discussed in the [[New Testament]] and was made famous during the [[Middle Ages]] and [[Renaissance]] periods in references to the [[Catholic Church]]. It continues to be practised into the 21st century.

 

A similar practice is utilized by churches such as the [[Conservative Mennonites]], [[Amish]], and some non-denominational churches, which is often called 'shunning', 'disfellowshipping', 'church discipline', or similar terms.  The practice has been criticized by both liberal Christians and genuine ones.

 

Cults such as the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]<ref>Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. "Discipline That Can Yield Peacable Fruit" in ''The Watchtower''; (April 15, 1988) [http://www.watchtower.org/e/19880415/article_01.htm]</ref> also practice a similar form of excommunication.  However, they also encourage family and friends of the person disciplined to totally shun the person.

Recognition of an excommunication can occur even after someone has passed away.<ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm</ref>

Recognition of an excommunication can occur even after someone has passed away.<ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm</ref>

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[[Category:Christianity]]

[[Category:Christian Terms]]

[[Category:Catholic Church]]

[[Category:Catholic Church]]