Donatism is a term used to describe a heretical movement that emerged in the early Christian Church during the 4th century. Synonyms for the word Donatism include 'Donatist heresy', 'Donatist schism', and 'Donatist controversy'. The movement was characterized by its belief that only priests who were morally pure could administer sacraments, thereby rejecting the validity of sacraments administered by priests who had lapsed during times of persecution. The Donatist controversy was a significant issue for the early Church, but ultimately the movement died out. Despite its relative obscurity, the term Donatism has continued to be used as a synonym for heretical movements or controversies within Christianity.