I have been so impressed in the spirit to speak to this issue from within the corner of Christianity known as Methodism. Yet, it seems such a small segment of the whole, and the words when spoken in our context seem parochial and self serving. Nonetheless, they are words which must be spoken.
There is no biblical doctrine of schism.
It is the assumption that there is such a doctrine that debilitates many well-meaning Christians within wayward churches. But, in terms of "The Church" it is evident that no such doctrine can or should exist. After all, the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. The Church is the Bride of Christ. How can it be that within the plans of the One who said "no kingdom divided against itself shall stand" that there would be a contingency plan for dividing that kingdom.
We see this so easily in terms of the universal Church, but do we see it in terms of our local bodies of believers?
Is it not possible that one who would stand in the gap, who would not be moved, who would persevere, would also be the one who would see eventual victory be won from what surely appeared to be the ashes of defeat?
There is no biblical doctrine of schism?
There is a harvester who asked, "Should we uproot the tares?" and there is also a Lord of the Harvest who replied, "Let them grow alongside the wheat, lest in uprooting the tares we also destroy the wheat." This affirmation of the dishonest in the midst of the Church is also an affirmation of unity even when unity is difficult and hampered by those who the Lord himself recognizes will one day be burned.
There is no doctrine of schism.
But, there is a doctrine of reformation.
The perfect parable and summation from your post:
There is no doctrine of schism.
But, there is a doctrine of reformation.
The tares in our midst cannot destroy the field.
Thank you for reminding us that the Body of Christ can not be broken.
I have been coming to the same position via another schism, that of the civic church and the Body of Christ. I have come to see that they, too, are one.
I appreciate your acknowledgement that you speak as a Methodist. I, too, grew up in Methodism and was, too, an Elder and Missionary for a number of years.
My family and I suffered grievously at the hands of some who were in authority over me in our Conference. We have been treated as pariah for decades.
I have experienced the abuse of those who practice schism in the name of the church. It has been difficult to forgive some in the church who have sought my destruction.
Thank you for making it clear to me that the church is not diminished by sin and error, my own and others.
Please forgive the intrusion of this very personal confession. It is certainly inappropriate in this forum. I do so leaning upon a spirit of fellowship in Christ that has grown in me among some of you. I am thankful that the Spirit has led me to you. I ask your prayers for restoration.