Any member is free to leave. A member who has left may even be allowed to return within a short time. A member who leaves permanently will, however, be shunned. Shunning means that the person will forever be considered an outsider -- a stranger -- and will not be allowed to participate in the community ever again.
During the period known as Rumspringa, beginning at about age 16, Amish youth are no longer under the total control of their parents on weekends and, because they are not baptized, they are not yet under the authority of the church.
They are known for their strict rules involving dress. Old Order Amish communities often prohibit the use of buttons and zippers, for example. They also wear dark colors, mostly black. The communities regulate hair length, men must grow beards an acceptable length, and women are not allowed to get haircuts.
Is Amish shunning permanent?
Shunning does not have to be lifelong. Rules vary, but you can rejoin the Amish church after having been shunned. This, however, is a fairly rare phenomenon. The shunned person must sincerely repent and, if necessary, find a way to make amends for any wrongdoing.
For Amish youth, the Rumspringa normally begins around the ages of 14–16 and ends when a youth chooses either to be baptized in the Amish church or to leave the community. For Wenger Mennonites, Rumspringa occurs between ages of 17 and 21.
Is shunning a crime?
Shunning is the most-severe punishment and is reserved for the most-serious offenses, such as marrying a non-Amish person, adultery, excessive contact with the outside world, and drunkenness. Shunning is instituted only through a unanimous vote by the church community.
How do you tell if you are being shunned?
The person and others notice your behavior which reflects poorly on you. Annoyance: You just dont like the person. They irritate you and dont pick up on your signals. You dont attend events you know they are invited to and shun them if you happen to be in the same room.