Schism

['sɪz(ə)m;'skɪz(ə)m] or ['skɪzəm]

Definition

(noun.) division of a group into opposing factions; 'another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy'.

(noun.) the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences.

Edited by Lenore--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) Division or separation; specifically (Eccl.), permanent division or separation in the Christian church; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith; the offense of seeking to produce division in a church without justifiable cause.

Inputed by Ferdinand

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [1]. Division (in a church), separation.[2]. Disunion, discord.

Checked by Jean

Synonyms and Antonyms

SYN:Division, separation, disruption, secession, diversity, sectarianism, breach,dissent, discord

ANT:Unity, integrity, catholicity, communion

Typist: Trevor

Definition

n. a separation in a church from diversity of opinion or discipline breach of unity without justifiable cause also the tendency towards such.—ns. Schis′ma (mus.) the difference between a pure and an equally tempered fifth; Schismat′ic one who separates from a church on account of difference of opinion.—adjs. Schismat′ic -al tending to or of the nature of schism.—adv. Schismat′ically.—n. Schismat′icalness.—v.i. Schis′matise to practise schism: to make a breach in the communion of the church:—pr.p. schis′matīsing; pa.p. schis′matīsed.—Great or Greek schism the separation of the Greek Church from the Latin finally completed in 1054; Western schism the division in the Western Church on the appointment by the Romans of Urban VI. to the papal chair in 1378 while the French cardinals elected Clement VII.—healed on the election of Martin V. by the Council of Constance in 1417.

Typist: Penelope