Letter 27

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: The Church at Vercelli Date: ~396 AD Context: A later letter to Vercelli, now dealing with a disputed episcopal election in which rival factions had each put forward a candidate, threatening to split the community. Ambrose to the clergy and people of Vercelli — greetings in the Lord. Brothers and sisters, I am distressed to learn that the peace I hoped for in your church has been shattered again. The election of a new bishop should be a source of joy; instead, it has become a cause of scandal. Let me speak bluntly. Both factions among you are pursuing their candidates with a zeal that has more to do with personal loyalty than with the good of the Church. You have turned the selection of a shepherd into a political contest, and the sheep are suffering while the patrons fight. I have examined both candidates. Both are capable men. But capability is not the only criterion. A bishop must be someone who can unite the community, not someone who represents one half of it against the other. If the election of either man will deepen the division rather than heal it, then neither man should be elected. I therefore urge you to consider a third candidate — someone who stands above the current factions, someone of proven character and learning, someone who will serve the whole church rather than a party within it. If you cannot agree, I will come to Vercelli myself and preside over the election, as metropolitan custom permits. I would prefer not to impose a solution from outside, but I will not allow your church to tear itself apart through stubbornness. The unity of the Church is not a luxury; it is a commandment. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Let your actions reflect your creed. I expect your answer before the next feast. In the meantime, I pray for you — and I hope you are praying for one another, which would be a more profitable use of your energy than campaigning. Farewell in Christ.

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