Have you ever considered what happens when a religious community decides to formally sever ties with one of its members? While often seen as an ancient practice, excommunication is still a powerful and relevant penalty in several major faiths today, with real-world consequences.
Excommunication is trending because recent high-profile cases have brought this ancient religious penalty back into public discussion.
For example, the Catholic Church has seen renewed debate around politicians who support abortion rights, while other faiths like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have excommunicated members for doctrinal disagreements or public dissent.