religious denominations

Broader Term: ecclesiastical organization231 Documents

Scope Note

Organized groups of congregations with differing and unreconciled systems of beliefs; crucial divergences in dogma; organization of sects or denominations (e.g., episcopal, congregational); admission of members (e.g., baptism, confirmation); distinguishing characteristics of members (e.g., special garb or behavior); established churches; splinter sects; interdenominational conferences and federations; territorial units (e.g., bishoprics, provinces); etc.

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