Seniores laici w starożytnych wspólnotach kościelnych w Afryce rzymskiej

Abstract

The article refers to a council, which in ancient Christian communities in Northern Africa was comprised of lay people. This council is called in Latin seniores laici by contemporary scholars. All the sources written on the subject of this group come from Roman Africa. They were mostly written in the fourth and fifth century. In the light of these sources, the seniores laici appear as an integral part of both the Donatist Church and the Catholic Church in Northern Africa. The selected sources are sufficient proof of their existence. In church communities, these councils were held between the church hierarchy and the faithful. Their members were chosen by the people. They fulfilled their duties in collaboration with the bishops, administering and maintaining church property. They also performed functions of judiciary and disciplinary character which permitted them to control the conduct of their own bishops.