slightly OT: Is the notion 'sect' stigmatized?

Christian Boylove Forum

slightly OT: Is the notion 'sect' stigmatized?

Submitted by Dgennero on 2002-12-28 16:51:59, Saturday

In the German-speaking countries, if you call a small religious community or denomination a "sect", you express disregard.
They prefer to call themselves "Freikirche" (free church) or just "religious community" (Glaubensgemeinschaft).
How about America?
I'm asking this because of a newspaper article about the Raelian "sect" and their efforts to produce a human clone.
The freedom of religion seems very essential to America, so IF "sect" is derogatory, are they even allowed to use this word in the news?

Follow ups:

Usually the More Negative Term in the U.S... - Andy 2002-12-28 21:14:55, Saturday (0)
Yes, it is used to indicate a negative attitude - Forgiven 2002-12-28 18:46:45, Saturday (0)

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