Define: Secular
In a contract, secular describes something neutral, independent from, or unrelated to religious matters or beliefs. Parties use the term to distinguish civil, non-religious institutions, holidays, education, or dispute resolution processes from those governed by religious doctrine, ensuring obligations, exemptions, or services are understood as operating outside any specific faith framework.
Legal accuracy standard set & glossary spot-checked by Imad Mohammed Nazar , Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Legal Engineer at GenieAI
What Secular Means in a Contract
Secular, in contractual usage, refers to anything that is neutral toward, independent of, or unrelated to religious belief or religious authority. When a contract describes an organization, service, holiday, or decision-making process as secular, it signals that the arrangement is not governed, influenced, or restricted by religious doctrine. This distinction matters because many agreements intersect with institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or community centers, that may or may not have a religious character.
The term is often used contrastively, pairing.
Relevant Circumstances
- When establishing a business entity that isn't affiliated with any religious organisation.
- When hiring employees in a non-religious workplace.
- When creating partnership agreements for business ventures that require a secular environment.
Relevant Sectors
- Technology
- Entertainment
- Non-Profit
- Retail