Letter 13: I've read your letter, dear brothers, and I'm glad your sound counsel has not been lacking.

I've read your letter, dear brothers, and I'm glad your sound counsel has not been lacking. You've rightly reminded our brothers to lay aside rash impatience and show a patient, reverent spirit toward God — so that when, by His mercy, we come together again, we can deliberate on every matter according to the discipline of the Church. As it is written: "Remember from where you have fallen, and repent." The person who truly repents is the one who, remembering God's commands, submits with humility and patience, obeying the priests of God and earning His favor through obedience and righteous works. However, I understand that some are being pushy, pressing hard to be received back to communion immediately. They want a rule from me on this matter. I think I addressed this sufficiently in my last letter. Those who have received a certificate from the martyrs, and can be supported by their intercession with God, may — if they are seized by illness or the danger of death — confess before you, receive the laying on of hands for repentance, and be sent to the Lord with the peace the martyrs requested for them. But those who have received no certificate from any martyr, and who are not in danger of death — these must wait. Let no one's impatience override the order of the Church. The persecution is not yet over. We are still in the thick of it. When peace comes, when the bishop can be present, when the whole community can weigh in — then, and only then, will each case be examined on its merits. Patience is not a denial of mercy. It is mercy properly administered.

Epistle 13