Letter 12: I'm amazed, dear brothers, that you haven't replied to any of my many letters.

I'm amazed, dear brothers, that you haven't replied to any of my many letters. The needs of our community would certainly be better served if you kept me informed, so that I could properly evaluate the situation and advise you on how to manage things. Since I still see no opportunity to return to you in person, and summer has already begun — a season racked by continual and serious illness — I think we must act now regarding our brothers in immediate peril. Those of the lapsed who have received certificates from the martyrs, and can be helped by their privilege with God, should — if they are struck by illness or danger of death — be able to make confession before any available presbyter. If no presbyter can be found, and death is imminent, they may confess even before a deacon, who shall lay hands on them for repentance, so that they come to the Lord with the peace the martyrs have asked us to grant. As for the rest of the community who have not lapsed but are enduring this time of trial — be present with them. Encourage them. Do not let catechumens who fall ill die without baptism. Attend to them. Comfort them. If they show genuine faith and the fear of God, let them receive what they seek. The time is too dangerous to stand on ceremony when lives and souls are at stake. I entrust these decisions to your judgment and pastoral care. Act wisely. Act compassionately. And keep me informed.

Epistle 12