Bishop of Carthage. He was a leader of the Donatists, a 4th-c puritan Christian sect in N Africa. The schism arose in 311, following the controversial appointment of Caecilian as Bishop of Carthage. Donatus's opposition was overruled by Emperor Constantine in 316, and when the new movement grew in strength, he was exiled to Gaul (347).
Donatus Magnus (311?-355?) was the leader of the Donatists, a rigorist Early Christian sect in North Africa.
The group's first leader Majorinus claimed the episcopal office of Carthage against Caecilianus, but after Majorinus' death in 313, Donatus was elected in his place.
Donatism was condemned as a heretic at various councils, most notably the Synod of Arles of 314.
User Comments Add a comment…