Donatistarum

Donatistarum, also known as Donatists, were a Christian sect that emerged in the late 4th century during the period of the Arian controversy. They were led by Donatus, a priest from Carthage, who was excommunicated by the Catholic Church for his adherence to Arianism, a theological position that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. Donatists believed that the Church should be governed by bishops who were not only holy and learned but also free from any taint of heresy. They rejected the authority of the Church councils, particularly the Council of Nicaea in 325, which had condemned Arianism. Donatists maintained that the Church should be purified of heretics before it could be properly governed. This led to a schism within the Church, with Donatists establishing their own churches and communities. The Donatist movement was particularly strong in North Africa, where it had significant influence. However, it eventually declined as the Catholic Church became more unified and the Arian controversy was resolved. The Donatist movement is often seen as a precursor to the Reformation, as it challenged the authority of the Church and advocated for a more puritanical approach to Christian practice.