Letter 8020: John, the bearer of these presents, complains that his wife, flying from the molestations of one George, has long been residing within venerable precincts , and has so far met with no assistance. Since she asserts that there is a dispute about her condition , and has asked that it should be commended to your Fraternity, we hereby exhort you that...
Gregory to Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna.
John, the bearer of this letter, has come to me with a complaint. His wife, fleeing from harassment by a man named George, has been living for some time within church-protected precincts [sacred buildings offering sanctuary], but has received no help so far. She says there is a dispute about her legal status [likely whether she is free or bound as a dependent], and has asked that the matter be referred to your Fraternity.
I urge you to protect this woman and not allow anyone to mistreat her unjustly. If the question of her status remains unresolved, see to it that the case is heard properly and lawfully, without any coercion. Once the truth has been established and a just ruling made, neither side should have cause to complain of unfair treatment.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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