Trying to Mend Fences in North Africa - 403
Augustine and the Donatists.
Introduction
The Donatists were North African Christians, largely from Berber populations, who broke away from fellow believers over the issue of who should be restored to the church following imperial Roman persecution. Emperor Diocletian had demanded that Christians hand over their holy books, and many did. Donatists called them traditores (“those who handed over”) and said they should not be readmitted to fellowship. When the traditores were restored, the Donatists chose their own bishop. They got their name from their leading spokesman and second bishop—Donatus. On this day, 25 August, 403, a synod of catholic bishops met in Carthage and determined to reach out to the Donatists to heal the rift. Here is an excerpt from the canons (church decrees) of that synod.
Quote
“What things should be said to the Donatists are these: ‘We greatly desire to rejoice in your conversion; for we have been commanded to say even to those not desiring to be our brethren, You are our brothers. We come therefore to you and we exhort you that if you have any defense to make, you should appoint certain persons to whom this should be entrusted, who, at a fixed time and place, shall urge your case; otherwise your distrust will be thenceforward obvious.’”
Schaff, Philip. The Seven Ecumenical Councils. Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eerdmans