SCHISM
schism (siz-<<schwa>>m orskiz-<<schwa>>m).1. A breach or rupture; a division, esp.
among members of a group, as of a union. 2. A separation of beliefs and doctrines by persons of
the same organized religion, religious denomination, or sect. [Cases: Religious Societies 23, 35.
C.J.S. Religious Societies §§ 70, 98–100.]
“It has been held that the civil courts are not concerned with mere schisms stemming from
disputations over matters of religious doctrine, not only because such questions are essentially
ecclesiastical rather than judicial, but also because of the separation between the church and the
state …. However, it has also been held that the situation is different in the case of self-governing
congressional churches, for here the courts do not hesitate to assume jurisdiction when a schism
affects property rights, for in this form … each local congregation is independent and autonomous
and there is no recourse within the denomination.” 66 Am. Jur. 2d Religious Societies § 51, at 804
(1973). [Blacks Law 8th]