[John Locke]

One big difference is whether the branch or schism is still around to argue their point.

Yes, I had exactly the same thought. When its adherents have been exterminated, it's a schism. Until then, it's a branch.

[adiaireton8]

That's like saying an extra-marital affair isn't a sin until its over.

There would be no injunctions against schisms if they didn't exist until they no longer existed.

-A8