Disciplinary action in which someone is ousted from a religious group or movement. (Also known as 'disfellowshipping' - the termination of 'fellowship').
In
Christianity, the practice is based in large part on
Matthew 18:15-17 and
1 Corinthians 5:1-13.
In some groups and movements, such as the
Jehovah's Witnesses (theologically a
cult of Christianity), excommunication includes the unbiblical practice of
shunning.
A church disciplinary action in which a person who refuses to repent of promoting
heretical views, or of engaging in gross sin, is no longer accepted as a member of the church. Such a person may not participate in the ordinances of the church, may not teach or minister in any way, and in extreme cases may be asked to refrain from attending church meetings.
The Challenge and Beauty of Church Discipline by Timothy Harris
Church Discipline by J. Hampton Keathley III
Church Discipline in the Christian Congregation A Report of the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
Excommunication Entry in the
Catholic Encyclopedia
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