Letter 50040: Ambrose, Bishop, to the Emperor Theodosius.

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: Emperor Theodosius Date: ~388 AD Context: Another recension of the famous letter about the burning of the synagogue at Callinicum on the Euphrates. Ambrose argues that no Christian authority should be compelled to rebuild a place of worship for a religion that rejects Christ. Ambrose, Bishop, to the Emperor Theodosius. I write to you, most merciful Emperor, not as a subject to a ruler but as a priest to a son of the Church — for in the things of God, the emperor is within the Church, not above it. The matter of Callinicum has been reported to you, and your initial reaction was to order the local bishop to rebuild the synagogue at his own expense. I understand the instinct: you wish to uphold justice and protect property. These are admirable aims for any ruler. But consider what you are asking in the full light of the faith you profess. A bishop's first duty is to God, not to Caesar. You are commanding him to use the Church's resources — given by the faithful for the worship of Christ — to construct a building dedicated to the denial of Christ. This is not justice; it is a contradiction. I do not celebrate the burning of a synagogue. Disorder is never lawful, and violence against anyone's property is a sin. Punish those responsible, by all means. Fine them. Imprison them. But do not make a bishop the instrument of your penalty. The scandal of a Christian bishop building a synagogue would give the enemies of the faith more ammunition than the original fire ever could. David was a great king, but when Nathan rebuked him, he listened. That is why David is remembered with honor and Ahab with contempt. I urge you to listen as David did, and to correct this decree before it does permanent damage to both your reputation and the Church's peace. I ask this kneeling before you in spirit, though I write with the authority of the office God has given me. May God guide your judgment.

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