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.

Book VIII, Letter 20 To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna. Gregory to Marinianus, etc. 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 you afford your protection to this woman, and permit her not to be in any way aggrieved by any one unreasonably. But if the question about her station still continues, let it be your care that, without any oppression, and in a legal manner, it may be submitted for judgment; so that when, after ascertainment of the truth, what is agreeable to the order of law has been determined, neither party may complain of having suffered wrong. The month of May, first Indiction.

Gregorius Joanni episcopo Syracusano. Felix prasentium portitor questus nobis est, cum zit de Christianis natus parentibus , a quodam Chri- ztiano, * Samarzo, quod dici scelus est, csse do- natum. Et dum hujusmodi superstitionis homines Christiana quolibet modo mancipia possidere nec ratio legis, nec reverentia religionis admittat, se ta- men per decem et octo annos in cjus asserit servitio permansisse ; sed cognoscente hoc sanctz memoriz decessore vestro Maximiano, ab eo se, zelo, sicut decuit, sacerdotali commoto, de Samarzi servitio nefario dicit liberatum. Sed quia ejusdem Samarzi filivs post quinque annos ſactus dicitur Christianus , et supradictum Felicem in ejus servitium , quantum ipse dicit, quidam nituntur redigere , sanclitas ve- sira hec quz edocti sumus diligenter inquirat ; et si ta ej esse consliterit, eum tweri sludeat. et a nullo Sub qualibet occasione- gravari permiltat, quiz dum vupersiitiosz seclze mancipia domings suos ad fidem przecedentia servitio corum aperlte redigi jura prohi- beant, quanto magis hic de Christianis parentibus natus, ect ſactus a parvulo Christianus, debet quzstionem aliquo modo sustivere, maxime quia nee palris ejus esse Servus poluit, quem liquet ex prava polius presumplione penam posse venien- tew de legibus susſinere ? Et ideo, sicut diximus, ita eum ganclilaltis vestre deſensio rationahiliter lwealur, ut vulli eum sub quolibet argumento sit ali- quatenus aſſligendi licentia. (Cf{. Joan. Diac. l. iv, n, 47, Vide lib, vi, ep. 55, indict. 14,) 911