One of the most important incidents from the past, which helped to fashion the Church of today, was 'The Reformation.' The aim of the Reformation was for an internal renewal of the church during the 16th century in Western Europe because of the evil conditions present at that time. The lives of clergy and the people who followed Christianity committed various abuses, which were against the Church's teachings, many bishops and abbots considered themselves as secular rulers rather than servants of the church; the higher clergy lived in luxury while the lower lived in oppression. These conditions in part were contributed by the Renaissance which gave people on the higher class of society the "gross love of pleasure, a desire for gain, and a voluptuousness of life diametrically opposed to Christian morality." (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12700b.htm) The reformers started sects of 'national churches', which were to oppose the Catholic Church, who called themselves Protestants, but ultimately cut off millions from the true catholic church, and destroyed the unity of faith. In the 21st century, the Catholic Church has vastly advanced compared to the 16th, the increased spiritual influences and efficiency has given the Catholic Church worldly wealth, and political power which makes up the loss suffered by 'Protestantism.' In modern times, more followers living by the Catholic mission worldwide exist; and they are bound to "the central Government at Rome by a more filial affection and a clearer sense of duty."(Reference) And "The hierarchy was never so united, never so devoted to the pope."(Reference) In contrast, as a consequence of the Reformation, many people now realize that the Church is not so great and powerful, so they choose not to believe in it, unlike 400 years ago, where the Church had power over everything.
             The schism was another event in history which has great significance in Church history. The schism will best be rem...