Schisms

Schism is a pronounced division within a group, typically a religious body, caused by a significant disagreement over doctrine, authority, or practice. The word derives from Latin schisma, via Greek schisma, meaning a cleft or split.

Schisms arise when differences are perceived as irreconcilable, often involving disputes over leadership or jurisdiction, the interpretation of sacred texts, or the scope of the group's authority to regulate beliefs and rites. They may be fueled by political power, cultural tensions, or institutional reforms. A schism usually entails formal steps such as declarations, and sometimes mutual excommunications or the establishment of separate hierarchies; reconciliation is possible but not guaranteed.

Notable examples include the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism; the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, which led to the formation of various Protestant churches; and the Sunni–Shia split in Islam, arising from disputes over succession after the Prophet Muhammad. Other religious traditions have experienced schisms as well, including periodic splits within Buddhism and between different reform movements. Schisms also occur in secular contexts, such as political parties or movements, where differences over strategy or ideology lead to permanent organizational separation.

Outcomes of schisms can include the creation of new denominations or sects, changes in practice or doctrine, altered relationships among communities, and long-term social or political consequences. Some schisms are resolved through negotiation, councils, or reforms, while others endure for centuries and shape the religious or organizational landscape.