Denomination, from Latin confessio, means worship. Usually, the term "denomination" is applied to some direction within the framework of a particular religion. The interaction between religions and denominations constitutes interfaith relations.
The importance of interfaith relations in society
Interfaith relations are relations between faiths (trends) and between communities of adherents of the main world religions. In society, denominations are represented by ideology, clergy, groups of believers, as well as people sympathizing with them.
The religious affiliation of people in past times was an important factor in social life, and it remains so in the modern world. The stability of communities, which are characterized by a diversity of faiths and ethnic groups, depends on interfaith relations. Consent between faiths is a necessary condition for maintaining peace and for their very comfortable existence. Indeed, in the course of a confrontation, one of the faiths often dominates the country, and special support by the state is undesirable for the rest.
Any contradictions between ethnic groups affect the relations between faiths, and vice versa. This can sometimes lead to conflicts.
The peaceful coexistence of different faiths and the consent of social groups that consider themselves believers are two important factors for successful interaction. In fact, religions and faiths are usually quite autonomous and self-sufficient, so direct interaction is not required. The formally voiced consent in the state and society matters.
Often in multi-ethnic countries there is an identification of their ethnic and religious affiliation among the population. This is because, as a rule, people "inherit" the religion and traditions of their parents. Islam prevails in Asian countries, and the majority of Russian-speaking believers, according to statistics, consider themselves Orthodox Christians. The reason is that historically religions spread in certain areas, and geopolitics played a role here. Often this or that religion, denomination, is preferred at the state level, even if it is considered secular.
To maintain peaceful and stable interfaith relations, the state seeks to recognize the autonomy of each of the denominations, and also creates a single legal space for them.
