Free English Translation
The Decisive Sentences on the Baptism of Heretics
Decretoriae Sententiae de Baptismo Haereticorum
5 chapters · ~1 min read · by Pope Stephen I
About The Decisive Sentences on the Baptism of Heretics
This short work preserves five brief sections summarizing the position of Stephen, bishop of Rome, in his dispute with Cyprian of Carthage during the rebaptism controversy of the 250s AD. Stephen grounds his authority in the succession of Peter and holds that converts from any other group should receive only the laying on of hands in penance rather than a second baptism, since even those groups readmit converts from one another without rebaptizing them. He appeals to apostolic tradition as never commanding rebaptism, and argues that baptism given in the name of the Trinity carries Christ's grace whoever administers it. It closes with his image of heresy as bearing and abandoning children whom the Church then takes in.
By Pope Stephen I. Collected in Patrologia Latina, Volume 3.
In this work
The one and necessary end of controversies of faith
Stephen glories in the place of his episcopate and contends that he holds the succession of Peter, upon whom the foundations of the Church were bestowed.
2. The chief principle of right
If anyone therefore comes to us from any heresy whatsoever, let nothing be innovated except what has been handed down, that hands be laid upon him in penance, since the heretics themselves do not properly baptize those who come to them from one another, but only admit them to communion.
3. The testimony of apostolic tradition concerning the baptism of heretics
As though the apostles had forbidden those who come from heresy to be baptized, and had handed this down to posterity to be observed.
4. The intrinsic arguments of the testimony
Stephen and those who agree with him contend that remission of sins and a second birth proceed from the baptism of heretics, among whom they themselves confess the Holy Spirit is not present, and at the same time that baptism is one and the same for us and for heretics ... They do not think it necessary to inquire who it was that baptized, on the ground that one who has baptized could have obtained grace by invoking the Trinity of the names of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ... Stephen wishes the presence and holiness of Christ to be available to those who are baptized among heretics ... The name of Christ avails greatly, so that whosoever and wheresoever anyone has been baptized in the name of Christ, he straightway obtains the grace of Christ.
5. Closing clause
Heresy indeed gives birth and exposes; but the Church receives those who have been exposed.
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