Letter 2051: Gregory to all bishops in the matter of the Three Chapters. I have received your letters with the utmost gratification: but I shall have far abundant joy, if it should be my lot to rejoice in your return from error. Now the forefront of your Epistle notifies that you suffer severe persecution.

Book II, Letter 51 To All Bishops, regarding the Three Chapters [a long-running theological controversy about the condemnation of three fifth-century theologians, which caused a schism in northern Italy]. Gregory to all bishops in the matter of the Three Chapters. We received your letters with the greatest satisfaction. But we will have even greater joy if events show that your adherence to the universal Church is sincere and lasting, not merely expressed in words. On the question of the Three Chapters: the Fifth Ecumenical Council [held in Constantinople in 553 AD] justly condemned the writings in question, and this decision was accepted by the universal Church. Those who refuse to accept this council's authority separate themselves from the communion of the faithful and from the unity Christ commanded. We urge all of you who hold positions of authority in the Church to teach your people correctly on this matter. Do not allow the ancient controversy to be revived by those who seek division rather than truth. The Church has spoken through a legitimately constituted council, and its judgment must be respected. At the same time, we approach those who dissent not with threats but with charity. Our desire is not to punish but to restore. We are ready to hear any sincere concerns and to address them through patient dialogue. But the fundamental authority of the council itself cannot be questioned without undermining the very foundation of how the Church resolves disputes. Let peace reign among you, and let the unity of faith bind you together as one body in Christ.

Book II, Letter 51 To All Bishops. Gregory to all bishops in the matter of the Three Chapters. I have received your letters with the utmost gratification: but I shall have far abundant joy, if it should be my lot to rejoice in your return from error. Now the forefront of your Epistle notifies that you suffer severe persecution. But persecution, if endured irrationally, is of no profit at all unto salvation. For it is impious in any one to expect a recompense of reward for sin. For you ought to know, as the blessed Cyprian says, that it is not the suffering that makes the martyr, but the cause for which he suffers. This being so, it is exceedingly incongruous for you to glory in the persecution whereof you speak, seeing that you are not thereby at all advanced towards eternal rewards. Let, then, purity of faith bring your Charity back to your mother church who bare you; let no bent of your mind dissociate you from the unity of concord; let no persuasion deter you from seeking again the right way. For in the synod which dealt with the three chapters it is distinctly evident that nothing pertaining to faith was subverted, or in the least degree changed; but, as you know, the proceedings had reference only to certain individuals; one of whom, whose writings evidently deviated from the rectitude of the Catholic Faith, was not unjustly condemned. Moreover, as to what you write about Italy among other provinces having been especially scourged since that time, you ought not to twist this into a reproach, since it is written, Whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives Hebrews 12:6. If, then, it is as you say, Italy has been since that time the more loved by God, and in all ways approved, having been counted worthy of enduring the scourge of the Lord. But, since it is not as you try to make out by way of insulting over her, attend to reason. After the Pope Vigilius of illustrious memory, having been appointed in the royal city , promulgated a sentence of condemnation against Theodora, then empress, or against the Acephali , the city of Rome was then attacked and captured by enemies. Does it follow from this that the Acephali had a good case, or that they were unjustly condemned, because such things happened after their condemnation? Away with the thought! For it is not fit that either any one of you, or any others who have been instituted in the mysteries of the Catholic Faith, should say or in any way acknowledge this. This then being recognized, retire even now at length from the determination you have come to. Wherefore, that full satisfaction may be infused into your minds, and all doubt removed, with respect to the three chapters, I have judged it of advantage to send you the book which my predecessor of holy memory, Pope Pelagius, had written on this subject. Which book if you should be willing to read again and again, putting aside the spirit of wilful self-defense, I have confidence that you will follow it in all respects, and, notwithstanding all, return to union with us. But if henceforth, after perusal of this book, you should decide to persist in your present determination, you will doubtless show that you gave yourselves up not to reason but to obstinacy. Wherefore once more, in a spirit of compassion, I admonish your Charity, that, inasmuch as under God the purity of our faith has remained inviolate in the matter of the Three Chapters, you put away from you all swelling of mind, and return to your mother the Church, who expects and invites her sons; and this all the more speedily as you know that she expects you daily. About this page Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360202051.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.