schism
/ˈskɪzəm/ · schis·m
noun
- A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord. The company's schism led to the formation of two separate entities.
- A formal division or split within a religious body. The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.
- A split within Christianity whereby a group no longer recognizes the Bishop of Rome as the head of the Church, but shares essentially the same beliefs with the Church of Rome. The Eastern Orthodox Church was a result of a schism from the Roman Catholic Church.
Did you know? The term 'schism' has been used to describe various splits within Christianity, including the Great Schism of 1054, which led to the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church becoming separate entities.