Define sectarianism in the Australian context.

• A. Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in politics.
• B. A policy of separating church and state.
• C. Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion.
• D. A movement to unite all religious denominations.

Answer: (C)

Sectarianism is an excessive loyalty to a particular religious group that leads to bias or hostility toward others. In Australia, this term has historically described tensions between Catholic and Protestant communities, shaping politics, schooling, and social life through prejudice or conflict rather than simply political disagreement. The best description focuses on this strong religious attachment and its social effects. The other ideas describe either secular government (separation of church and state), efforts to unite denominations (ecumenism), or a general political loyalty, none of which capture the religiously charged bias that sectarianism refers to in this context.