noun

schism

SKIZ-um/ˈskɪzəm/

A serious division within a group, especially a religious organization.

A schism divides the party, and each faction carries half its banner.

A political organization visibly breaks into two hostile factions: members wearing the same abstract party emblem turn their backs on one another and depart in opposite directions, each faction carrying one torn half of their formerly shared banner.

Etymology

A cleft or split became an image for a community breaking into opposing parties. The religious use described divisions within the Church, especially parties recognizing rival authorities.

In context

Chronicle - Medieval History Documentaries22:14

the so-called western schism. >> The western schism was a split in the Catholic Church between two claims to the papacy Rome and Avignon.

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More examples

Disagreement over religious teachings causes a schism within the church.
The funding dispute threatens to create a schism in the organization.
Repeated schisms leave the movement divided into rival groups.

Forms

schism · schisms

schismatic adjective — Causing or involving division within a church.

Similar words

split: Split is broader and can describe less serious separations.
rift: Rift emphasizes hostility or estrangement rather than formal separation.