← LineageFrom the Fathers for · Tuesday, 2 April 2024
Cyprian on the Church as mother
“He cannot have God for his Father who has not the Church for his Mother.”
Plain English
Cyprian is writing during a crisis of schism after persecution. His point is that reconciliation with God cannot be separated from communion with the visible Church.
Why it matters
The line became one of the strongest ancient statements of ecclesial unity.
About Cyprian
Bishop of Carthage from 248/9; led the African church through the Decian and Valerianic persecutions. Wrote De Unitate Ecclesiae and 81 letters. Martyred 14 September 258.
- Lifespan
- c. 200 – 258
- Era
- Ante Nicene
- Born in
- Carthage
- See
- Carthage
- Region
- Africa
Read next
On the Unity of the Catholic Church
Cyprian of CarthageA compact North African argument for episcopal unity during persecution and schism.
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