NOM

From wikipedia: Cancel culture or call-out culture is a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. Those subject to this ostracism are said to have been "cancelled".[1][a] The expression "cancel culture" has mostly negative connotations and is commonly used in debates on free speech and censorship.[4]

The notion of cancel culture is a variant on the term call-out culture and constitutes a form of boycotting or shunning involving an individual (often a celebrity) who is deemed to have acted or spoken in a questionable or controversial manner.[2][5][6][7][8]

Notably, many people claiming to have been "cancelled" often remain in power and continue their careers as before. Moreover, some cancellations have also been defended as exercising free speech and promoting accountability.[9][10][11] Others criticize cancel culture as creating a chilling effect.[12]

Cancel Culture is a loaded term, and not clearly defined, but isn't excommunication an example of what cancel culture is?

there is definitely something to this. As you said cancel culture is a term that has no different meanings to different people so it's not easy to pinpoint what 'is' cancel culture, but this is definitely how the church tries to make dissenters toxic to anyone who might be willing to listen otherwise.

You can't silence John Dehlin, Sam Young, or Bill Reel, but you absolutely can "cancel" them in the church and send the message to everyone else that they are not trustworthy to listen to. They've been ramping it up lately and I wonder if they'll keep it up given the rise of people becoming vocal on social media and esp TikTok where a lot of younger members are likely to hear about these issues.

It's definitely an interesting way to look at it.