Page "Donatism" Paragraph 8

As a result, many towns were divided between Donatist and non-Donatist congregations.

The sect had particularly developed and grown in northern Africa.

There was growing unrest and threats of riots in Carthage connected to the bishop controversy.

Constantine, hoping to diffuse the unrest, gifted monies to the " catholic " bishop Caecilian as payment for church buildings that had been damaged or confiscated during the prior period of persecution.

No gifts were made to the Donatists ( it appeared that Constantine was not fully aware of the seriousness of the dispute, thus his gifts only made matters worse ).

The Donatists appealed to Rome for equal treatment ; Constantine tasked Miltiades to sort the issue which led to the 313 commission mentioned above.

The Donatists refused to abide by the decision of the Roman Council and demanded a local council to hear the dispute.

This attempt failed to produce a good hearing and the Donatists appealed directly to the Emperor.

From his letter that survives, Constantine shows frustration that the church cannot come to a good conclusion and he calls for a larger council, what is now known as the Council of Arles in 314.

Again, the decision went against the Donatists and again they appealed to Constantine.

The Emperor demanded that all parties be brought to Rome for a hearing ; Constantine ruled in favor of Caecilian and warned against unrest.

A delegation from Rome traveled to Carthage to seek a compromise-this trip failed miserably.

Donatist extremists were stirring up protests and violence in the streets.

The Donatists refused to accept any compromise or decision in favor of the " catholic " bishop.