The lapsed may be received back
Doctrine · On the Church · from 251
Those who denied the faith under persecution may be received back into communion after penance.
The question the third century broke over twice. The first great synod after the persecutions legislated it in twenty-five canons.
Held it
- 314 — The Synod of Ancyra (Defines). Legislates the penance by which those who sacrificed under persecution are received back. The Seven Ecumenical Councils (NPNF series 2 vol. 14) · Ancyra (314), canons 1 to 9
Refused it
- 251 — Novatian (Rejects). Holds that the church cannot restore those who denied the faith, and is made a rival bishop of Rome on that ground. Attributed by the received account. The Seven Ecumenical Councils (NPNF series 2 vol. 14) · Ancyra (314), canons 1 to 9
In the disputes
- The Novatianist schism Whether those who denied the faith under Decius could be received back.
First stated in this form after The Seven Ecumenical Councils (NPNF series 2 vol. 14) · Ancyra (314), canons 1 to 9.