Date: 27 Menachem Av 5561
From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer
To: Unknown recipient
The Chasam Sofer upholds the Rema's ruling that beis din must impose niddui and cherem on one who deserves it even if doing so risks driving the offender to apostasy, marshaling proofs beyond those of the Chavos Yair and refuting the Taz. He draws a critical distinction between heretics who challenge rabbinic authority—whose children are presumed to share their ideology and warrant no special concern—and ordinary sinners, where the fate of innocent minor children requires careful deliberation before acting.
Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §322