Translation of "сектой" in English

Горожане были убеждены, что серия убийств связана с сектой сатанистов.

The townsfolk were convinced that the string of murders was tied to a satanic cult.

Некоторые сравнивают эсперантизм с сектой, но недалёк тот час, когда Заменгоф вернётся и накажет их за кощунство.

- Some people have compared Esperantism to a cult, but soon there will come a time when Zamenhof returns and punishes them for this sacrilege.
- Some people have likened Esperantism to a cult, but soon the time will come when Zamenhof returns and punishes them for this sacrilege.