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Full Definition of SCHISM. 1. 2. a: formal division in or separation from a church or religious body b: the offense of promoting schism. See schism defined for English-language learners.
The Christian Church has experienced some major splits in its history. There were two schisms, moments when large bodies of Christians refused to submit to the authority of the Pope. The East-West Schism resulted in a formal split between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Western Schism rose out of internal church disputes in Europe.