n 250 AD, the Emperor Decius unleashed a new wave of persecution against the Church. All citizens had to obtain a certificate saying that they had sacrificed to Caesar and the gods. Pope Fabian was martyred within three weeks. Many others perished during the 14 months of the onslaught. Cyprian went into hiding, but when he returned he found that many of his flock had compromised. Some had sacrificed, while others had bought forged certificates saying that they had.
There was a crisis in the North African Church. It had not previously accepted lapsed Christians back into fellowship, but now there were too many of them. Some still thought they should never be admitted, others thought they should be welcomed straight back, others only on their deathbeds. There were also conflicts arising from the status of those who had maintained their faith under torture and survived, with some saying that they outranked the bishops.
The controversy even struck at Rome, with a priest named Novatian leading a schism on the pretext that Fabian's successor Cornelius had granted absolution to some of those who had lapsed.
Cyprian made a passionate appeal for unity. His fellow bishops agreed to follow his advice and avoid extremes. Those who had compromised their faith could be restored, but only after penance and genuine repentance.
This was not the end of the story, or the end of the schism – and it was certainly not the end of the persecutions. Cyprian himself was beheaded in 258 AD.
What would you do if this Korean Christian arrived at your church?
Welcome her or send her away?