Appian Way Press

Anti-Donatist Writings: Writings in connection with the Donatist Controversy

by Saint Augustine

This modernized edition brings together Augustine’s three anti-Donatist writings, presenting his most extended engagement with the Donatist controversy in clear, contemporary English for students, pastors, and readers of historical theology. The Donatist controversy arose in the aftermath of the Diocletianic persecutions and centered on the question of whether the moral failure of clergy invalidated the sacraments they administered. From this dispute emerged a lasting schism, with Donatist communities claiming to represent a pure church set apart from a compromised wider communion. Augustine’s response addresses these claims directly and at length.