Letter 1019: The acts of your synod which you have transmitted to us, in which the Archdeacon Honoratus is condemned, we perceive to be full of the seed of strifes, seeing that the same person is at one and the same time advanced to the dignity of the priesthood against his will, and removed from the office of the diaconate as though unworthy of it. And, as ...
Book I, Letter 19
To Natalis, Bishop of Salona [the chief city of Dalmatia, on the Adriatic coast, modern-day Split, Croatia].
Gregory to Natalis.
The records of your synod [church council], in which the Archdeacon [senior deacon, the bishop's chief administrative assistant] Honoratus is condemned, appear to us full of conflict. The same person is simultaneously promoted to the priesthood against his will and removed from the diaconate as though unworthy. Just as no one who is unwilling should be forced into a promotion, no one who is innocent should be unjustly stripped of their office.
Since this discord, which is hateful to God, calls your actions into question, we instruct you to restore Archdeacon Honoratus to his position and duties, and to provide him with adequate support for his ministry. If the conflict between you persists, let the Archdeacon present himself for our hearing and investigation when summoned. And let Your Fraternity send us a representative fully briefed on the case, so that in both parties' presence, with the Lord's help, we may decide what justice requires without favoritism.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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