► religion [countable, uncountable] a set of beliefs about a god, and the ceremonies and customs that go with these beliefs. Also used when talking about all religions in general: · Judaism is one of the great religions of the world.· African tribal religions· a lecture on the role of religion in society
► faith [countable, uncountable] a religion, especially one of the large important world religions. Also used when talking about religious belief in general: · The school welcomes children of all faiths.· His religious faith was always deeply important to him.
► belief [countable, uncountable] the act of believing in a god or gods, or the ideas that someone believes because of their religion: · We all have the right to freedom of belief.· They were persecuted because of their religious beliefs.
► denomination [countable] a religious group that has slightly different beliefs from other groups who belong to the same religion: · The church is the largest Christian denomination in the United States.
► sect [countable] a group of people who have their own set of religious beliefs and customs, especially a group that has separated from a larger group: · He became a member of a Buddhist sect.· There are two sects in Islam - the Sunni and the Shi'a.· an obscure religious sect
► the church [singular, uncountable] the Christian religion in general: · How great is the influence of the church in present-day society?· The church has a lot to say about this.
► the Catholic/Protestant etc church (also Church) [countable] one of the separate groups within the Christian religion: · the Methodist Church
► cult [countable] an extreme religious group that is not part of an established religion – often used to show disapproval: · The suicides have been linked to a strange religious cult.· the traditional pagan cults of Ancient Rome
► creed [countable, uncountable] formal the religion that you belong to, and the set of beliefs that you accept in order to belong to it – often used in phrases when saying that your religion should not affect how you are treated: · There must be no discrimination because of race, colour, or creed.· You will be rewarded whatever your race or creed.
► faith community [countable] formal a group of people who share the same religious beliefs – used especially in official contexts: · the benefits of living within a supportive faith community
a group of people who share a particular set of religious beliefs: 
In any faith community there are varying levels of commitment.