Open to people regardless of religious belief or affiliation.
Reach for it when describing an institution or activity not restricted to one religious denomination
The nonsectarian charity serves families of every faith and none.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
everyday
open to all faiths
Fits when plain audience-facing welcome is needed
Careful The phrase should also say whether nonreligious people are included.
warm
religiously inclusive
Fits when people of different faiths are actively welcomed
Careful Inclusive practice is stronger than structural nonaffiliation.
professional
Fits when several faith traditions participate together
Careful Interfaith still centers religious affiliation.
professional
secular
Fits when religion is institutionally separate or absent
Careful A nonsectarian organization can be religious.
formal
Fits when cooperation among Christian denominations is intended
Careful Ecumenical is narrower than nonsectarian.
formal
nondenominational
Fits when no single denomination governs the activity
Careful Nondenominational often remains within one broad faith.
nonsectarian charity
The nonsectarian charity serves families of every belief and none.
nonsectarian education
Nonsectarian education formed part of the school's founding charter.
strictly nonsectarian
The memorial remained strictly nonsectarian at the families' request.
Keep in mind
Nonsectarian does not necessarily mean secular; governance, curriculum, and access policies provide the real distinction.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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