Schism

Schism is a breaking away, a division which disruptsunity. As a sin, it is the disruption of unity born of charity. In special, it is the sin of cutting away from the unity of the faithful under the rule of the Vicar of Christ; it is the refusal to submit to the rule and jurisdiction of the sovereignpontiff.

Schism is a grave sin, but it is not so grave as heresy and unbelief. Heresy cuts a person off from the unity of the faithful just as schism does; but heresy adds to this the evil of embracing false doctrine. {-When papal infallibilityand the primacy and jurisdiction ofthe sovereign pontiff were solemnly defined, schism became a practical denial of truths of the faith, and hence is itself heretical.-}

Schismatics lose the right to exercise spiritual powers; they lose jurisdiction itself, and not merely its licituse.

It is right and just that schismatics, who sever themselves from the unity of the Church, should be punished by the Church with the penalty their action invites, namely,excommunication.