Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Occurring between, among, or common to different churches or religious denominations: Describes activities, cooperation, or efforts that involve multiple distinct religious groups, especially different Christian denominations, working together or sharing something in common.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The charity organized an interdenominational prayer service for peace. (The service involved participants from various Christian churches.)
  • Interdenominational cooperation has been crucial for the community relief project. (The project's success relied on collaboration between different denominations.)
  • The university was founded on interdenominational principles, welcoming students from all Christian backgrounds. (Its founding ideals were common to and inclusive of multiple denominations.)

Advanced Usage

• "Interdenominational dialogue": Formal discussions or conversations held between representatives of different religious denominations to foster understanding.
  • The conference promoted interdenominational dialogue on social justice issues.
• Used to describe organizations, committees, or events (e.g., councils, choirs, weddings) that are not limited to a single denomination.
  • They were married in an interdenominational ceremony.
• Can sometimes extend in a broader sense to cooperation between different religions (interfaith), though its core meaning is specifically among Christian denominations.

Variants and Related Words

• Interchurch (adj): A near synonym, specifically meaning between or involving different churches.
  • The interchurch council meets monthly.
• Ecumenical (adj): Related but often implies a movement aimed at promoting unity among Christian churches worldwide.
  • The ecumenical movement seeks Christian unity.
• Denomination (n): A recognized, autonomous branch of a religion, especially a Christian church (e.g., Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist).

Synonyms

• Interchurch: Between churches.
• Nondenominational: Not restricted to or affiliated with any single specific denomination; often similar in practical effect but can imply a deliberate lack of denominational affiliation rather than cooperation between them.

Antonyms

• Denominational: Of or relating to a particular religious denomination.
• Sectarian: Concerning a sect; often implies rigid adherence to the doctrines or interests of a specific group, potentially to the exclusion of others.

Adjective

1. occurring between or among or common to different churches or denominations
   • interchurch aid
   • interdenominational cooperation between Methodists and Presbyterians