What is the difference between Sect and Denomination?

The term 'sect' is mostly used to refer to a religious group, which is an offshoot of a larger religion. In terms of size, sects are not usually big in population. That is why they are often regarded as smaller religious groups, most especially when you compare their size with the main religion which they developed from. Sects don't deviate totally from their old religious beliefs, but they may be using different principles and rules which are totally different from their former practices. On the other hand, denominations are larger religious groups compared to sects.

The term denomination refers to the subgroup of a particular religion that is known to have a set of beliefs and practices different from other subgroups of the same religion. For instance, Catholic can be regarded as a denomination, although members of this denomination are still called Christians. What usually causes the formation of sects is a dispute, and this can come in any form. In contrast, denominations are formed when members of a particular religion begin to have certain philosophical and theological views about how religion should be practiced.

The word sect is identified by smaller religious groups that branch off from a bigger and more established religion. Sects have a lot in common with the beliefs of their religion. However, there may be some variations in the rules and concepts, which allow them to creatively distance themselves a bit from the oppression and strictness that tends to come along with organized religion. The word denomination distinguishes a religious group with its characteristic faith or beliefs.

For example, Christians and Catholics are both denominations. The members of these groups develop specific views that progress into steady traditions and rituals. Sects within the denomination usually form because of some kind of disagreement with the norm.