The story goes that a public sinner was excommunicated and forbidden entry to the church. He took his woes to God. 'They won't let me in, Lord, because I am a sinner. ' 'What are you complaining about?' said God. 'They won't let Me in either.
If anyone assert the fabulous pre-existence of souls and shall submit to the monstrous doctrine that follows from it, let him be anathema [excommunicated]
In 1054, the patriarch of Constantinople and the pope excommunicated each other. That was the end of holiness for both churches.