The Church and Schisms

Approximately 700 years ago, perhaps the largest schism the Catholic Church has ever faced occurred. Known as the Protestant Reformation, this grand series of splits rattled the Catholic Church, forcing her to gather and further clarify/declare her beliefs. This was certainly not the first attempt at disunity from the Church; the Eastern Churches had separated hundreds of years before. However, this time of schism would prove significant in years to come simply by the sheer number of followers the various denominations would attract.

As a Grad student, you have probably encountered the remnants of such schisms on your respective school's campus. A middle-aged man dressed in a coat and tie likely approached you, pushed a bible in your hands, and popped the question, "Do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" Sects of Protestants have fiery, and honestly overbearing, evangelical programs aimed at youth (and especially educated youth). Here are the Catholic Church's teachings on schism.

The Catholic Encyclopedia defines schism:

"Schism (from the Greek schisma, rent, division) is, in the language of theology and canon law, the rupture of ecclesiastical union and unity, i.e. either the act by which one of the faithful severs as far as in him lies the ties which bind him to the social organization of the Church and make him a member of the mystical body of Christ, or the state of dissociation or separation which is the result of that act." 

Separating from the Pope/the Catholic community harms the unity and oneness of the Church, and is seen as a sin against such. It is interesting how all schisms start out with good intentions. However, these good intentions are extrapolated to the Church and its authority, resulting in a separation from such authority. For example, Martin Luther was absolutely correct when he criticized the selling of indulgences. By creating a new and separate church however, he simply took this idea too far. Such schismatics took their criticisms too far, and greatly harmed the unity and oneness of the Church. 

When you're discerning your faith, remember this. Eastern and Protestant Churches split from the Pope and the Church, and not the other way around. The one whole and complete Truth lies only within the Catholic Church. Sure, there are elements of Truth in all religions, ESPECIALLY different Christian denominations. But the Catholic Church is the true Church that Jesus Christ instituted to save us all. 
-Shoe
Sources:
Forget, Jacques. "Schism." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 14 Apr. 2013<http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13529a.htm>.