Augustine also set forth a different understanding of the sacraments. The Donatists argued that the validity of the sacrament depends upon the moral standing of the minister. Augustine said, “No.” The sacrament does not belong to the minister but to Christ. The priest’s acts are really God’s because he has placed the sacraments in the hands of the properly ordained minister. All that is required of the priest is his awareness that he administers God’s grace for the whole church.
