The Novatianists were a Christian sect that emerged in the 3rd century, named after their leader, Novatian. They believed in a strict interpretation of church discipline, particularly regarding the forgiveness of sins. This group opposed the more lenient views of the Catholic Church at the time, especially concerning the readmission of lapsed Christians who had renounced their faith during persecution. The Novatianists held that those who had fallen away from the faith could not be forgiven and should not be allowed to return to the church. Their beliefs led to a significant schism within early Christianity, highlighting the tensions between differing views on repentance and church authority.