confessionalism

/kənˈfɛʃənəˌlɪzəm/
noun
  1. A belief that a particular religious group's official statements of faith are very important and must be followed strictly.
    • The church's strong confessionalism led to debates about who could be a member.
    • Some historians argue that confessionalism increased tensions between different Christian groups.
    • Confessionalism in that denomination means members must agree to every point of the creed.
  2. A political system in which different religious or ethnic communities are officially recognized and given power based on their group identity.
    • The country's constitution established confessionalism to protect minority communities.
    • Critics say confessionalism can deepen divisions instead of uniting people.
    • Lebanon's government is based on confessionalism, with seats divided among religious groups.
Antonyms
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