Letter 50003: To the most blessed and glorious Christian Emperors — Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius — from the bishops...

From: The Council of Aquileia (led by Ambrose of Milan) To: Emperors Gratian, Valentinian II, and Theodosius Date: ~381 AD Context: An alternative recension of the Council of Aquileia's report to the emperors, condemning the last remaining Arian holdouts in the West and warning against the schismatic Ursinus. To the most blessed and glorious Christian Emperors — Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius — from the bishops assembled at the Council of Aquileia. Most merciful Emperors, by God's grace and your own devotion, the Arian faction has been brought to judgment. The Council assembled at Aquileia, as your piety commanded, and we have examined the cases of Palladius and Secundianus [two Illyrian bishops who were the last open defenders of Arianism in the West]. When questioned, they could not defend their position from Scripture. When pressed on whether the Son is true God, coeternal with the Father, they equivocated. When asked plainly whether they accepted the Nicene Creed, they refused. The minutes of the proceedings, which we enclose, will speak for themselves. We have therefore deposed both men from their episcopal rank, as the canons require. Let no one claim that this was a hasty judgment: they were given every opportunity to recant, and they chose obstinacy. We further report that the peace of the Church, which your laws have done so much to secure, is threatened by other disturbances. The schismatic Ursinus [a failed rival for the Roman bishopric who repeatedly attempted to seize the see by force] continues his intrigues, allying himself with anyone who opposes Catholic order. We ask your Clemency to maintain the measures that keep this man far from Rome. May God preserve your Empire and reward your faith.

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