Schism is a break with the official decision-making processes and governing structures of a church. Use the quiz below to see how far towards schism a particular diocese has moved. Each "yes" answer is worth 10 points.

1. Has the bishop and/or diocesan leadership (1) altered their governing documents to deny the authority of General Convention or the governing documents of the Episcopal Church?

2. Has the bishop defied jurisdictional authority and/or boundaries or recognized clergy deposed by another bishop?

3. Has the bishop participated in the creation of a polity outside the Episcopal Church's structures, which affiliates or plants congregations physically within the bounds of the Episcopal Church, but independent of the Episcopal Church?

4. Does the diocese, under the leadership of the bishop, withhold financial support from the Episcopal Church and/or divert those funds to another entity?

5. Has the bishop stopped participating in the councils and governing bodies of the Episcopal Church, and/or has the bishop encouraged other clergy to do the same?

6. Has the bishop signed or supported agreements negotiated directly with other denominations without consulting the offices established by the whole Episcopal Church to coordinate such conversations?

7. Has the bishop continued to provide services of the episcopacy to individuals who have withdrawn from the Episcopal Church?

8. Has the bishop created and/or supported mission and outreach agencies to directly compete with those of the Episcopal Church?

9. Does the bishop refuse to allow all clergy in good standing within the Episcopal Church to function within the diocese or parish?

10. Has the bishop created a "chilly climate" for, or threatened clergy loyal to the Episcopal church?

(1) Hereafter referred to simply as "bishop."

copyright 2005 Via Media USA. Permission to reprint granted freely as long as this copyright line is included.