Nonsectarian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
nonsectarian
[nษnหsษk.tษ.riษn ]
Definition
religious perspective
Nonsectarian refers to an approach, organization, or perspective that is not affiliated with or restricted to any specific religious sect or denomination. It promotes inclusivity and a broader acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices. This term is often used in educational, social, or legal contexts to emphasize neutrality and the absence of bias toward any particular faith. Nonsectarian institutions aim to provide services or programs that are accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Synonyms
inclusive, interdenominational, neutral.
Examples of usage
- The school promotes a nonsectarian curriculum.
- He attended a nonsectarian conference on interfaith dialogue.
- The charity operates on a nonsectarian basis, helping families regardless of their beliefs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'nonsectarian'
The term 'nonsectarian' is derived from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'sectarian', which itself comes from 'sect', established in English around the 15th century to denote a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs from those of a larger group. The word 'sectarian' has roots in the Latin 'secta', which means 'a way, a course, or a faction', connected with 'sequi', meaning 'to follow'. The evolution of 'nonsectarian' in the 19th century was influenced by growing calls for separation between religious affiliations and public institutions, particularly in the fields of education and philanthropy. Its usage became more prominent as societies recognized the importance of promoting harmony among diverse groups, particularly in increasingly pluralistic societies.