Something I don't get about apostates

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

I think it is a bit odd because the purpose of excommunication, according to the church, is to help a person repent. The actual reason for the excommunication you are hinting at is primarily related to the damage and negative publicity the person brought to the church (which makes the excommunication sound a bit more like PR or punishment than repentance). If that person's actions alone were sufficient to excommunicate them, then they would be excommunicated even if their publication didn't get a lot of attention.

So it seems a bit odd to me.

It's also to protect the reputation of the church. Hence the penalty for a bishop will be greater than the penalty for the average joe.