Sect

A sect is a small religious or political group that has branched off from a larger established group. Sects have many beliefs and practices in common with the religion or party that they have broken off from, but are differentiated by a number of doctrinal differences. In contrast, a denomination is a large, well established religious group. A mass party typically tolerates a variety of views and interpretations, insisting only on a limited number of basic principles as a condition for membership.

See also

• cult
• denomination
• ecclesia (sociology of religion)
• sectarianism