Excommunicated

To be officially excluded from participation in the sacraments and fellowship of a church, or religious community. This severe religious penalty, often imposed for doctrinal heresy, moral offenses, or disobedience, signifies a separation from the sacred community. The excommunicated individual is considered outside the spiritual bounds and is denied religious privileges. In some contexts, this exclusion can have broader social and political ramifications, leading to ostracism and legal disabilities. The duration of excommunication varies, and reinstatement is possible, often contingent on repentance and amends.

Excommunicated meaning with examples

• After publicly denouncing the Church's stance on marriage, the Cardinal was excommunicated, effectively cutting him off from his religious order and depriving him of his priestly duties. The action sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about free speech.
• For centuries, those accused of witchcraft were routinely excommunicated and subject to persecution. The fear of this religious condemnation, combined with societal pressures, drove many into hiding or led to wrongful accusations of innocent individuals.
• During the medieval period, Kings who challenged the Pope's authority were sometimes excommunicated, creating significant political instability. This religious ban meant their subjects could be freed from their allegiance to the King.
• The council made the bold choice to *excommunicate* a member of the sect for engaging in financial malfeasance. This decision, meant to preserve the integrity of the group, led to heated debate and questions on fairness and authority.
• In the story, the hero, a former cleric, was excommunicated for his humanist philosophies. He must now navigate a world that has cut him off from his faith and support, a catalyst for his change in beliefs.