This week in Christian history: US missionary leaves for Africa, first female Anglican priest ordained

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 21, 2024

Pelagius excommunicated – Jan. 27, 417

A circa 17th century illustration of Pelagius (born circa 354), an early church writer and thinker whose work would eventually be denounced as heretical. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Pelagius, an early church writer and thinker known for advancing heretical ideas about the nature of sin, was excommunicated by Pope Innocent I.

Pelagius emphasized free will in salvation but denied the doctrine of original sin, which states that human beings are inherently inclined toward sin due to the Fall of Adam in Genesis.

Saint Augustine of Hippo and other North African bishops denounced Pelagianism, with Augustine writing multiple lengthy rebuttals to Pelagius’ work.

“Eventually a regional council of North African bishops met at Carthage and condemned Pelagius’ doctrine. Augustine pressed forward to get the authority of the bishop of Rome, Pope Innocent I, behind the decision of that local council,” wrote theology professor Fred Sanders in 2009.

“When the Pope read Pelagius’ views, he was scandalized that such things were being taught. On January 27, 417, he dispatched five letters condemning Pelagianism as an error, a heresy in the doctrine of human nature.”