ANSWER: It is not right for a congregation to withdraw fellowship from a sister congregation for any reason whatsoever! However, it is right for a congregation to withdraw fellowship from a sister congregation that has ‘caused divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine of Christ’ (Romans 16:17). Whether individually or congregationally, these are to be marked and avoided. The principle is valid in either case! Would the action not have the same saving effect as with the brother of 1 Corinthians 5:5? Would such action not have the same cleansing effect as the “purging” of 1 Corinthians 5:7? Do we not want erring brethren to be saved?

Do we not want the church of lord to be pure? If a biblical principle is applicable in a singular sense locally, why would it not be applicable in a collective sense in a different locale? Such brethren, whether near or far, singularly or collectively, being in sin, are engaging in the unfruitful works of darkness and, Paul, in Ephesians 5:11 says, ‘have no fellowship with them, but rather reprove them.’

Does not one remain in fellowship with those whom he refuses to disfellowship? Of course! But Paul says, “have no fellowship! So not only are we directed to sever the relationship (withdraw fellowship), but we are also “commanded” to confront them (reprove) with their sin. Whether that is done face-to-face or via other communication is a matter of option.

Some under the guise of “church autonomy” suggest that they can teach and practice anything that they would like, whether scriptural or not, and that the rest of the brotherhood must ignore such! Not so! Those who refuse to take scriptural disciplinary action against sister congregations that apostatize from the truth are themselves sinning and in violation of the passages mentioned heretofore!