The Holy Council of Carthage Held under the Presidency of Saint Cyprian — AD 257

Circumstances Surrounding the Convening of the Council

The early Church remained steadfast in its teachings for a long time. It spread, peace prevailed among its members, and their principles in spiritual life and doctrine grew stronger. Then the third century arrived, and problems emerged. The Church’s bonds began to unravel, its strength became divided, and its dignity was weakened. The early fathers, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood against these heresies just as their forefathers, the apostles and the holy disciples, had done. They relied on the words of Christ, to whom belong all glory and honour: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In this spirit, the councils assembled. All hoped that the clouds would disperse, that the sun of truth would shine brightly on high, and that the power of spiritual persuasion would become evident, so that the Church might triumph through its sound doctrine.

Among the issues that arose during that century was the question of rebaptizing heretics and receiving those who returned from them to the Church.

This disagreement arose between Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, and Stephen, Bishop of Rome.

Saint Cyprian ruled that only those who had been baptized by heretics needed to be baptized again. Those who had received baptism in the Orthodox Church had a valid baptism that should not be repeated.

However, Stephen, Bishop of Rome (254–257), did not approve of this just and correct decision, which was drawn from the teachings of the early fathers. He began proclaiming and teaching that baptism must never be repeated, even if it had been administered by heretics.

Historical Events Demonstrating the Conflict between the Two Views before the Council

Cyprian and Stephen were not the first to dispute the baptism of heretics and whether it should be repeated. The churches of East and West had disagreed over the baptism of heretics and whether it should be repeated; the churches of East and West had differed on this subject. The churches of Asia Minor, Cappadocia, Cilicia, and Galatia, together with the churches of Syria, Egypt, and Africa, maintained and taught that the baptism of heretics was founded on false doctrine. Therefore, it had to be repeated when they accepted the true and sound faith.

The Church of Rome and the Western churches, however, taught that every baptism performed in the name of the Holy Trinity and in the name of Jesus Christ was valid, even if it had been administered by heretics.

However, the Western priest Tertullian wrote a letter to the heretics in the third century. A council at Iconium and a council at Sinai were held in AD 230 under the presidency of Firmilian, Bishop of Caesarea. They ruled that the baptism of heretics was invalid. Agrippinus, Bishop of Carthage, had also convened a large council in AD 217 and reached the same decision. He therefore rebaptized repentant heretics.

Thus, we see that history demonstrates that the requirement to rebaptize those baptized by heretics had been established, so that they could be received into the Mother Church on the basis of a steadfast faith.

The Leading Figure of the Council: Saint Cyprian

Deacon Wunisan wrote a detailed and accurate account of the life of Saint Cyprian. Cyprian is known to have remained a pagan until AD 245. When he was appointed bishop, he was a mature man and held a high and distinguished position in Carthage. His birth would therefore have been around AD 210.

He came from a wealthy family. In his youth, he received an extensive education and upbringing, studied rhetoric, and practised law. He maintained literary connections with the educated and cultured elite of his city. He was baptized around AD 245 through the efforts and dedication of a priest named Caecilianus.

He dedicated himself to God and to chastity, sold all his possessions, and gave the proceeds to the poor. Two years after his baptism, he was ordained to the priesthood. In AD 249, he was chosen to succeed Bishop Donatius in the episcopal see of Carthage.

He continued to administer his diocese with great skill and distinction. He gained the trust of his people as well as that of all the bishops of Africa. Because of his abundant knowledge and extensive familiarity with the writings of the fathers, he became an important authority whom they consulted in matters both great and small.

Shortly after the death of Stephen, Bishop of Rome, in AD 257, Cyprian was exiled to an island near Carthage. From his place of exile, he continued to oversee his church and diocese.

On 13 September 258, he was arrested by pagans and atheists. He was not tried but was executed, receiving the crown of martyrdom on 14 September 258. The Lord Jesus had prepared this crown for him as a reward for his struggle and faithfulness in service. His people mourned him.