Shunning (Meidung, "avoidance") was the practice that set the Amish apart from the Mennonites several centuries ago and it remains the fundamental way in which the community deals with disobedient members.
Amish shunning practices differ considerably from community to community in the severeness and strictness of the shunning, but in light of the closeness of the community and separation from the outside world, it is invariably a painful experience for the one shunned.
An Amish person may be shunned for a variety of offenses, ranging from major moral offenses to using improper technology. In accordance with the teachings of Jakob Amman, an Amish person in good standing may not buy from, sell to, eat with or sleep with a shunned person, even if the person is one's spouse or close relative.
