8 Things the Amish Church Can Force a Family to Do That Would Shock You

Twice a year, every Amish member affirms the rules. At baptism, each member agrees to obey them, and almost ninety percent of Amish teens choose that step. After that, the church can shape eight parts of a family’s life. One correction to the title up front: the Amish church has no police and no courts, so it does not force anyone in the usual sense. Its power comes from an adult vow, and rules differ from district to district. We walk through eight things the church can require of a baptized family: school ending after eighth grade, backed by the 1972 Wisconsin v. Yoder ruling; avoiding a shunned relative at the table; taking a turn hosting church in the home; sharing the load through mutual aid and barn raisings; keeping the telephone out of the house; refusing military service; living within business limits; and affirming the Ordnung twice a year before Communion. Along the way we cover how discipline starts gently, with private admonition and many attempts to reconcile, and how a member in the Bann can usually return after about six weeks. This is an honest look at both views. Members describe order, love, and keeping a promise together, while critics point to the pain of shunning and cases where discipline went too far. Watch to see why the real question is not whether the church can force anything, but whether the belonging is worth the limits. DISCLAIMER: This documentary is based on historical research and documented Amish traditions. Practices may vary between communities.