Charlie Sykes

For decades, conservatives have struggled with containing crackpottery, most notably William F. Buckley's famous excommunication of the John Birch Society in the 1960s.

American

Georg C. Lichtenberg

With a pen in my hand I have successfully stormed bulwarks from which others armed with sword and excommunication have been repulsed.

German Scientist

Being excommunicated is serious in religious contexts; it's like being cut off from spiritual community and benefits.

Religious Consequence

Modern churches rarely excommunicate members; it's often historical or used in traditional denominations.

Rare Modern Use

Excommunication is a decision by church leaders, not just a personal disagreement or quarrel.

Authority Action

Excommunicate can be used metaphorically to mean someone is pushed out of any social group.

Metaphorical Use

Even outside religion, excommunicate suggests a strong disapproval and a formal decision.

Serious Implication

Don't confuse personal arguments with excommunication, which implies a group's collective decision.