Cyprian and the unity of the Church
About this date: Represents his mid-century episcopal activity.
Cyprian writes amid persecution and disputes about lapsi, bishops, and communion.
People
- Cyprian of Carthage
Primary sources
Cyprian writes about ecclesial unity:
Cyprian presents the episcopate as one reality shared by its several holders.
The episcopate is one, each part of which is held by each one for the whole.
Passage context and translation
Cyprian argues for the unity of the Church and episcopate while responding to the Novatian schism.
Before the excerpt
This unity we ought firmly to hold and assert, especially those of us that are bishops who preside in the Church
After the excerpt
The Church also is one, which is spread abroad far and wide into a multitude by an increase of fruitfulness.