6. Schism. (Separatism)
By the church term schism we mean a church separation that is not commanded by the Word of God, but is brought about according to one's own choosing, i.e. sinfully, e.g. because of differences in church customs, ways of speaking, orders, etc. Practically important is the distinction between malicious schismatics and those who, out of weakness in knowledge and out of a preconceived opinion, cause a sinful separation.1565) However, those who separate themselves from a church fellowship because of stubbornly held false doctrines are wrongly called schismatics, separatists, etc. This separation is commanded in Scripture (Rom. 16:17) and is the only means to establish and maintain the right unity in the Christian church.