Une guerre de religion : les deux Églises d’Afrique à l’époque vandale

Soon after the invasion of Africa, Genseric began to establish an Arian Church to the expense of the Catholic Church in the Proconsular province where he settled his people. This religious policy, which continued until at least 523, is usually identified as a persecution, but from the time of their arrival in Africa, the Vandals had intended to convert to Arianism the people among whom they settled. As a result the Arian Church began against the Catholic Church a war of religion, which has been neglected by historians and which is studied here under four headings: the theological debate, the fight for the churches, the rivalry for the celebrations of the rites and the feasts of saints and the struggle over assisting the poor. The results of what should be described as an Arian mission are difficult to measure, but should not be underestimated as has been the case until now.