A religious group is a social group whose members share a common set of beliefs and practices related to a particular religion or spiritual tradition. Religious groups can vary in size from small, local communities to large, international organizations. They may be formal or informal, and may have a hierarchical structure or be more egalitarian. Religious groups often provide their members with a sense of community, support, and belonging, and may serve a variety of functions such as providing religious education, conducting religious rituals, and promoting religious values and practices.