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During the Decian persecutions of the mid third century, a debate arose over the proper treatment that the church should accord to Christians who had denied their faith during the persecutions. Following the [[martyr]]dom of [[Bishop]] [[Fabian of Rome|Fabian]] in January 250, an election could not held for his successor until spring of 251 because the church was in such dire straits. At the 251 [[Synod|council]] a majority vote was cast for Cornelius, who favored acceptance of those who had lapsed under terrible duress. The election of [[Cornelius of Rome|Cornelius]], as Bishop of Rome, was repudiated by the [[clergy]] who had been most firm against the lapsed during the persecution and, in opposition, they consecrated [[Novatian]] Bishop of Rome. Novatian was a Roman [[presbyter]] who was known for his orthodox theological work, ''On the Trinity''. Thus, the Church of Rome was faced with two rival bishops, each seeking support of the wider church.

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