Traditors
(Lat. traditores, “traitors”). A name given in Africa to Christians who saved their lives during Diocletian's* persecution by surrendering copies of the Scriptures. The Donatist* schism was partly caused by the Donatists' refusal to recognize Caecilian* of Carthage because he was consecrated bishop by an alleged traditor, Felix of Aptunga. Felix was later cleared of the charge. At the Council of Arles (314), persons consecrated by traditors were held to be duly recognized.