Novatiani, a sect of ancient heretics, that arose towards the close of the third century, so called from Novatian, a priest of Rome, (see the preceding article). They were called also Cathari, from καθαροί, pure, q. d. Puritans.

Novatian first separated from the communion of pope Cornelius, on pretence of his being too easy in admitting to repentance those who had fallen off in times of persecution.

Novatus coming to Rome, joined himself to the faction of Novatian; and both maintained, that there was no other admission into the church but by the repentance in baptism; grounding their opinion on that of St Paul: "It is impossible for those once enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly gift, if they fall away, to renew themselves by repentance."

Not that they denied but a person fallen into any sin, how grievous soever, might obtain pardon by repentance; for they themselves recommend repentance in the strongest terms: but their doctrine was, that the church had it not in its power to receive sinners into its communion, as having no way of remitting sins but by baptism; which once received could not be repeated.

In process of time the Novatians softened and moderated Novation derated the rigour of their master's doctrine, and only refused absolution to very great sinners.

The two leaders were professed, and declared heretics, not for excluding penitents from communion, but for denying that the church had a power of remitting sins. See Novatus.