Edwards family photo taken in August 1977. Although the family is dressed in traditional Amish clothing, this was taken a few years before they became members of the Amish church. Jan Edwards is on the left wearing a white cap; Paul Edwards is standing to the right of the bugg
Follow seven former members of an Amish community, filmed over the course of 12 months, as they reflect on their decisions to leave one of the most closed and tightly knit communities in the United States. Estranged from family, the ex-Amish find themselves struggling to understand and make their way in modern America. Interwoven through the stories are the voices of Amish men and women who remain staunchly loyal to their traditions and faith. They explain the importance of obedience, the strong ties that bind their communities together and the pain they endure when a loved one falls away.
[American Experience](http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/0: The Amish:Shunned, Tuesday at 9 p.m. on PBS 6.
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