schism

noun

A separation or division into factions.

noun

A formal breach of union within a religious body, especially a Christian church.

noun

The offense of attempting to produce such a breach.

noun

Division or separation; specifically, in ecclesiastical usage, a formal separation within or from an existing church or religious body, on account of some difference of opinion with regard to matters of faith or discipline.

noun

The offense of seeking to produce a division in a church.

noun

A schismatic body.

noun

Division or separation

noun

the separation of the Greek and Roman churches.

noun

a schism in the Roman church in the latter part of the 14th century, on account of rival claimants to the papal throne.