254–258

The rebaptism controversy (Cyprian and Stephen of Rome)

Cyprian of Carthage and Firmilian of Caesarea held valid only baptism performed within the catholic Church. So they rebaptized those coming from heretics and schismatics, including Novatianists. This practice was confirmed by councils at Carthage in 255–256.

Bishop Stephen of Rome demanded that any baptism performed with the correct words and intent be recognized. He also demanded that converts be received only by the laying on of hands as a sign of repentance. He threatened opponents with excommunication.

An exchange of sharp letters nearly broke communion between Rome and Africa. The eastern churches largely supported Cyprian's position.

The dispute was resolved only by Stephen's death and the renewed persecution under Valerian in 257. But it quietly foreshadowed the later Donatist schism in Africa. In the end the practice Rome had championed prevailed.