Letter 4

From: Remigius, Bishop of Reims To: Avitus, Bishop of Vienne Date: ~508 AD Context: Two of the most important bishops of late Gallo-Roman Christianity exchange views on the theological situation — particularly on the relationship between the Frankish church and the Roman see. Remigius to the most blessed Avitus. I have been following your correspondence with Clovis and with the Burgundian court with great interest, and I want to share some observations. The theological situation in Gaul is complex in a way that the bishops of Rome do not always fully appreciate. We have orthodox Catholics, Arian Goths, semi-Pelagian tendencies in some of the old monastic traditions — and now a Catholic Frankish king whose theology is, shall we say, more political than systematic. Keeping all of this in some kind of order requires the bishops to be more flexible and more strategic than the canons alone would suggest. On the question of Rome: I remain firmly committed to the authority of the Roman see on matters of doctrine. But I think the practical governance of the church in Gaul must remain largely in Gallic hands. The distances are too great, the local knowledge too necessary, the speed of events too fast for Rome to manage from a distance. The relationship should be communion and consultation, not supervision from above. I say this not to diminish Rome, but because I believe the health of the Gallic church depends on its ability to govern itself, and that ability is undermined whenever we wait for Rome to resolve questions that we can and should resolve ourselves. I look forward to your reply. Remigius of Reims