Schism
WordNet
noun
(1) Division of a group into opposing factions
"Another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy"
(2) The formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From "division" < (schizō) "I split"; from cisme or scisme.
Noun
- A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
- A formal division or split within a religious body.
- 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. In other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.