# Cyprian's On the Unity of the Church (251)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/251-cyprian-s-on-the-unity-of-the-church
Location: Carthage, Africa
Themes: Papacy

Bishop Cyprian of Carthage writes that there is no salvation outside the Church and stresses the unity of the episcopate. At this point in the timeline (c. 251), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Cornelius (March 251 – June 253). His claim was contested by Antipope Novatian.

## Why it matters
Cyprian's On the Unity of the Church mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Cornelius](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-cornelius)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Cyprian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Cyprian's On the Unity of the Church](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Cyprian%27s+On+the+Unity+of+the+Church)
- [Wikipedia — Early Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_period)