A relatively small group that has broken away from an established denomination. This type of religious body often maintains a distinct set of beliefs and practices, frequently emphasizing doctrinal purity and separation from the perceived compromises of the larger religious organization. For example, certain Amish communities represent this, having diverged from mainstream Mennonite traditions to preserve what they view as more authentic religious principles and communal lifestyles.
Understanding the characteristics of these religious offshoots is significant in the context of population studies and cultural geography. They frequently exhibit unique demographic trends, settlement patterns, and socio-economic characteristics. Furthermore, their existence and evolution often reflect broader social, political, and theological tensions within the larger religious landscape. Analysis of these groups offers insights into religious pluralism, social change, and the spatial expression of belief systems.