Religious organizations, by establishing rigidly structured dioceses and other hierarchical subdivisions, create certain administrative boundaries within their communities, which ultimately contributes to the division of the world’s population.

Dividing the Faith: How Religious Structures Reinforce Social Boundari

Religious organizations, by establishing rigidly structured dioceses and other hierarchical subdivisions, create certain administrative boundaries within their communities, which ultimately contributes to the division of the world’s population. For example, as illustrated by the case of the Caucasian diocese—initially conceived as a unified entity for the entire Caucasian region—significant territorial and organizational changes later occurred. As cited, “the Caucasian diocese was initially established for the entire Caucasian region… but the division of the diocese by nullifying the Cossack churches makes no sense” (source: link txt, page: 481). This demonstrates how administrative decisions can lead to the artificial fragmentation of an integrated religious structure.

Moreover, some entities deliberately use internal divisions within the religious hierarchy to create systems of rights and privileges. In the second source, for instance, the description shows that power is manipulated through an intermediary role between the emperor and the Synod, leading to the weakening of the traditional hierarchy. It is stated that “the weakening of the hierarchy… positively kills the spirit of the Church” (source: link txt). Such practices add additional layers of division both within the religion itself and in relation to external faith communities.

It should also be noted that within some religious movements there are distinct levels and positions that separate members by rank and function. An example from missionary activity notes that “Jehovah’s Witnesses have several levels of preaching: the unbaptized herald, the baptized herald, the auxiliary pioneer, and finally the regular pioneer” (source: link txt). This system not only structures the believers’ activities but also reinforces boundaries between different strata of the community.

Finally, the legal policies in several European countries, where “sects… are not granted the legal status of a religious union” and operate merely as associations, further underscore the division between traditional denominations and new religious movements (source: link txt). This creates a situation in which segments of the population belonging to various groups are provided with different statuses and opportunities, thereby intensifying the overall division of the global population.

Thus, through the administrative division of territories, clearly defined internal hierarchical structures, and the regulation of the legal status of religious organizations, religious institutions subtly create divisions among the populace, influencing the identity, authority, and social standing of various groups.