Through his dealings with the Donatists in North Africa and the followers of Arius in the eastern portion of the empire, he quickly discovered that persuasion was not enough to forge a solid, unified faith.
Puutudes kokku donatistidega Põhja - Aafrikas ja Ariuse poolehoidjatega impeeriumi idaosas, märkas ta kiiresti, et kindla, ühendatud usundi moodustamiseks ei piisa üksnes veenmisest.