Letter 50011: Ambrose, Bishop, to the most clement Emperor Theodosius.

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: Emperor Theodosius Date: ~388 AD Context: An alternate version of the famous synagogue letter. A Christian mob led by the local bishop had burned a synagogue at Callinicum [a town on the Euphrates in Mesopotamia]. Theodosius ordered the bishop to rebuild it at his own expense. Ambrose objected strenuously. Ambrose, Bishop, to the most clement Emperor Theodosius. I have learned that your Clemency has ordered the bishop of Callinicum to rebuild the synagogue destroyed by a Christian crowd, and to do so at his own expense. I speak plainly: this order must not stand. I do not defend mob violence — disorder is never lawful. But consider what you are asking. You are commanding a bishop of Christ to build a house of worship for those who deny Christ. You are asking a minister of the altar to become a contractor for unbelief. What bishop could do this and still face his congregation? What priest could lay the foundations of a building dedicated to the rejection of everything he holds sacred? If the bishop obeys, he becomes a traitor to the faith. If he refuses, he becomes a criminal in your courts. You have placed him in an impossible position, and you must release him from it. I know the objection: the law must be upheld, and property must be protected. I agree. But the law has remedies — fines, penalties, civil judgments. Forcing a Christian bishop to personally construct a synagogue is not a remedy; it is a public humiliation of the faith, and your enemies will use it as proof that the Christian Emperor himself values Jewish worship above Christian honor. I beg you, most merciful Emperor, reconsider. Not for my sake — for yours. David sinned and was forgiven because he repented. The greatest emperors are those who correct their own decrees when justice demands it. I am your servant, but I am also a servant of God, and I cannot be silent when both your soul and the Church's dignity are at stake.

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