Letter 8

From: Aurelian of Arles, bishop To: Theudebert I, King of the Franks (Austrasia) Date: ~545 AD Context: Bishop Aurelian of Arles writes to the Frankish king on matters touching the governance of the church in his region and requesting royal support for episcopal authority. To the most glorious King Theudebert, lover of God and of justice, from Aurelian, by grace of God bishop of Arles, The church of Arles has long held a position of particular importance in the Latin West — the apostolic see of southern Gaul, entrusted with the care of souls across a wide territory. That position depends on the support of Christian rulers who understand that the welfare of the church and the welfare of the kingdom are not separate things. I write to you, most glorious king, on a matter where your support is needed. A dispute has arisen over the jurisdiction of several communities on the border between the territory traditionally under Arles's metropolitan authority and that of a neighboring see. The dispute is not primarily about theology or pastoral care; it is about authority and revenue, which makes it harder to resolve without external pressure from a power both sides respect. I ask for your intervention — not to decide the theological or canonical question, which belongs to the bishops, but to enforce whatever resolution the bishops reach and to make clear that the royal court will not tolerate continued disruption of the church's order by those who profit from jurisdictional uncertainty. I am aware that you have many demands on your attention. This matter is not urgent in the way that a military threat is urgent, but it is important for the long-term stability of the church in this region. Your servant in Christ, Aurelian, bishop of Arles