AD 314

Council of Arles

The Donatist schism in North Africa and the validity of sacraments administered by clergy who had lapsed.

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Location
Arles in Gaul
Leaders
Convoked by Constantine; bishops from across the western provinces, with legates of Pope Silvester I
Issues discussed
  • Whether baptism by heretics or lapsed clergy must be repeated
  • A common date for Easter in the West
Decisions made
  • Rejected the Donatist position and upheld baptism in the name of the Trinity
  • Twenty-two canons on discipline and the Easter date
Historical impact
The first council summoned by a Christian emperor, and a precedent for imperial involvement in Church disputes.

Sources and References