I wonder how congregations would react if an announcement were made that shunning was no longer practiced. I'm sure some would feel a sense of relief but I wonder about the many others who would be mightily unhappy if that happened. I think some people really need the sense of power and moral security that comes from shunning in order to feel special. I wonder if you took away their license to feel superior and act cruelly, if there wouldn't be at least a handful of people who would be entirely disappointed. In general, I'm far more concerned for those who demonstrate good, gentle hearts than those who get off on the superiority complex but I think it's interesting that there are probably some who would be more than a little miffed at losing their psychologically abusive upper hand.