denomination

A fairly large, well-established branch of a major religious tradition, uniting many local churches under a common national organization. The individual churches in a denomination hold to roughly similar beliefs, ways of WORSHIP, and forms of local governance. Unlike the cult or sect, the denomination is seen as part of the religious mainstream. A religious pattern made up of a collection of denominations large and small, each more or less equal and in practice having responsibility mainly for ministry to their own members, has been called a "denominational society." The United States of America is undoubtedly the best example, though the pattern can also be found in certain British Commonwealth countries and in some respects in Japanese BUDDHISM; otherwise, it is really a religious anomaly in a world of mainly one-religion or "church and sect" countries. In the United States, the major Protestant groups—Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran—are called denominations. The Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Eastern Orthodox traditions in America also have had to act as denominations for all intents and purposes. Denominations have distinctive histories and usually a revered founder or principal theological teacher. Their reason for founding and historical background is generally ethnic or located in a past religious confl ict. Ordinarily, formal organization is along national lines except for overseas missions. Denominational loyalty can be a factor in promoting the overall health of religion in a society.