Cyprian wanted to keep the flame of faith burning by restoring "lapsed" Christians to fellowship

An adult convert who became bishop of Carthage shortly after his conversion, Cyprian fled to safety during the persecutions of the third century and directed his diocese by letter. Cyprian argued that those who had lapsed during the persecutions could be restored to the church after proper public repentance. A contrary approach was taken by his contemporary, Novatian of Rome.