The word sect has been in existence for a long time, probably originating from French or Latin secta. Interestingly it has links to the word sequi—a variation of the feminine sectus—meaning to follow. This is in keeping with today’s usage of the word. People belong to a sect and follow its doctrines (a code of beliefs). It usually refers to a religious sect indicating a separation from an established religion. An example of this in history is England’s break away from the Catholic Church during the Tudor period. In recent times belonging to a sect has taken on negative connotations.

Taking the middle part of sectarianism, arian, its definition has two meanings. The first Arian, with a capital ‘A’ (not to be confused with Aryan but interesting as they sound the same), a person who is a strict follower of Arius of Alexander who apparently denied the divinity of Christ. The second meaning of arian, with a small ‘a’, is added to form adjectives or nouns to refer to a concern or belief in something (for example, vegetarian).

Sectarianism is an important word as, in its current meaning, it potentially is more dangerous than any other in reference to human relations. Simplistically, it suggests a group that has once

been together that is now split and at odds. Examples of sectarian divides exist all around the world: Northern Ireland is a good example. Even though there has been a peace process there, a divide still exists between the two religious groups (Catholics and Protestants).

This word exists today to explain and refer to the divides within groups. People work extremely hard to help break down these divides through conflict resolution. Perhaps, though, the historical origins of this word can be deconstructed to help further this process. Rather than dealing with actual conflict issues and how to resolve them, one could focus on how this word has developed with the intention of encouraging dialogue of a different nature.

Words change over time through people’s interaction with them and take on different meanings. Word deconstruction is important, as it is not the word that is bad, but it is how we choose to use it in relation to our existence. In human conflict and disagreement, words become the bridges and barricades within the ways in which situations resolve or escalate. Attention to the origins of words (etymology) could be another way to help people to live better together.