Donatus Magnus

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Donatus Magnus (311?-355?) was the leader of the Donatists, a rigorist Early Christian sect in North Africa.

The group's first leader Majorinus claimed the episcopal office of Carthage against Caecilianus, but after Majorinus' death in 313, Donatus was elected in his place.

Donatism was condemned as a heretic at various councils, most notably the Synod of Arles of 314. Despite the Church's condemnation, he continued to lead his sect in the face of official persecution. In August 347 he was exiled to Gaul by the Roman emperor Constans I. Donatus is believed to have died in exile around 355.