Novatianist schism
251–7th c.
attested. Attested by Cyprian, Eusebius and Socrates.
After the Decian persecution, Novatian of Rome opposed readmitting those who had lapsed and was consecrated rival bishop to Cornelius. His church held that the church could not absolve apostasy after baptism. It called itself 'the Pure' (Katharoi).
Sides
Novatianist (rigorist)
Leaders: Novatian, Novatus of Carthage, Acesius (at Nicaea)
The lapsed may repent but cannot be restored to communion by the church.
Catholic (Cornelius/Cyprian)
Leaders: Cornelius, Cyprian of Carthage, Dionysius of Alexandria
The lapsed can be restored after penance. Unity under one bishop.
Councils and places
- Rome (Novatian's rival episcopate, 251) 3rd–5th
- Constantinople (tolerated Novatianist church) 4th–7th
- Nicaea / Phrygia (Novatianist heartland) 4th–5th
- Synods of Carthage on the lapsed and Novatian (251–256) 3rd
- First Council of Nicaea (325) · Nicaea 4th
Outcome
Synods of Rome and Carthage (251) condemned Novatian. Nicaea (canon 8) allowed Novatianist clergy to be received with a laying on of hands.
What happened to the losers
Novatianists persisted as an orthodox-creedal separate church. They were respected in Constantinople (Socrates reports their bishops and their suffering under Arian emperors) and gradually declined, last attested in the 7th century.