[JohnnyZ]

It's important to remember that excommunication is not something the Church does. It's not like they throw people out of the Church. It's just a formal recognition that the person has already thrown himself out of communion with the Church by virtue of their actions, etc.

Lots of people are excommunicated without the Church's formal acknowledgement thereof.

Of course, the penalties of excommunication probably won't be applied if God's the only one who knows about it.

[Huber]

Of course, the penalties of excommunication probably won't be applied if God's the only one who knows about it.

C'mon Z, What the EARTHLY penalties?? What do they amount to?