It can also be used to power game. It's been done in the past.
Give me three clear-cut examples. I haven't been here as long as you, so I am interested in the lore of this subject.
Religions should not have to be paranoid about making members full members on the off chance that they will become rogue priests and gain immunity from all crimes.
They
should, for all the reasons presented in this thread. Remember that they aren't just priests, they are noblemen, typically landed and often in positions of major authority, like Medugnatos of Corsanctum or the most recent former Prime Minister of CE.
Really, who
should have this power? I've heard a lot of arguments as to why it should exist but no good answer on who should
have it. Chenier's initial suggestion was just plain ludicrous. Any elder? And it only takes an hour for all the paperwork? That sounds like it would lead to even worse abuse. For example, when Khari was on the elder council of SA and, assuming that ability existed, I could've pressured her to use it, bam, there go all of SA's priests.
A rogue priest is one thing, but individually they don't wield the kind of power you would be placing in every Elder's hands.