What does nonsectarian mean?
Nonsectarian describes an approach, organization, institution, or statement that does not favor or exclude any particular religious, political, or social group. It suggests fairness, openness, and impartiality, especially when dealing with schools, governments, charities, public events, or community disputes. The term is often associated with a decision intended to serve people from diverse backgrounds without privileging one tradition or faction. For example, a nonsectarian assembly may include readings and perspectives from several faiths, while a nonsectarian civic coalition may seek support across political lines. Although "nonsectarian" most often refers to religious neutrality, its broader sense can extend to any narrow allegiance. It is a precise and useful word when an institution or activity is deliberately designed to include people equally.
adjectiveNot restricted to or favoring any particular religious or political group; impartial and inclusive.
- Not limited to or favoring a particular religious, political, or social group; neutral and inclusive.
"The committee maintained a nonsectarian approach to the proposed school curriculum."
"The exhibition was designed as a nonsectarian celebration of the region's cultural traditions."
"School officials adopted a nonsectarian policy for the annual assembly."
A nonsectarian welcome is often meant to mean that nobody has to leave any part of their identity at the door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonsectarian come from?
The word is formed from the prefix non- and the adjective sectarian, meaning "of or relating to a sect." The root sect comes through Old French from Latin sectio, a cutting or division, related to secare, "to cut." The development of nonsectarian reflects the modern use of sectarian for a group marked by religious or factional division, and its prefixed form denotes the absence of such division.
Related word forms
How nonsectarian is actually used
The word is commonly used in institutional, civic, and educational contexts. It is more formal than everyday alternatives such as "neutral" or "inclusive," and it does not necessarily mean that a subject has no religious significance.
Easily confused with nonsectarian
A sectarian group or position favors the interests of one particular sect, whereas a nonsectarian one does not favor any single sect.