DONATISTS, Christian schismatics in Africa, who took their name from their leader Donatus. A secret hatred against Cæcilian, elected bishop of Carthage about the year 311, excited Donatus to form this sect. He accused Cæcilian of having delivered up the sacred books to the Pagans, and pretended that his election
was void, and all his adherents heretics. He taught that baptism administered by heretics was null, that every church but the African had become prostituted, and that he was to be the restorer of religion. Some accuse the Donatists of Arianism. Constantius and Honorius made laws for their banishment, and Theodosius and Honorius condemned them to grievous mulcts.