Canons of the Council of Carthage

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: Since these things stand thus among us, let the copies of the determinations which our Fathers at that time brought down with them from the Synod at Nicaea be preserved in their form, and let the following things determined by us, having been confirmed, likewise be kept.

Direct English translation

The whole Synod said: God willing, with one and the same confession, the ecclesiastical faith handed down through us is first to be confessed in this glorious assembly; then ecclesiastical order is to be preserved with the consent of each and of all together. To strengthen the minds of our brethren and fellow bishops who have recently been ordained, these things must be added which we received from the Fathers in a firm formulation: that the unity of the Trinity, that is, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is known to have no difference, which unity, established in our minds, we hold; and as we have learned, so shall we teach the peoples of God. Likewise all the bishops who had recently been advanced declared openly: Thus we receive; thus we hold; thus we teach, following the evangelical faith together with your teaching.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: In the preceding Synod, when the rule of continence and chastity was discussed, it pleased us that these three ranks, which by consecration are bound together by a certain bond of chastity—I mean bishops, presbyters, and deacons—should, as befits holy bishops, priests of God, Levites, and ministers of divine consecrations, be continent in all things, so that they may be able to obtain what they ask from God in simplicity; and so that what was handed down through the Apostles and maintained from antiquity may likewise be kept by us.

Direct English translation

Faustinus, bishop of Potentia in Picenum and legate of the Church of Rome, said: It pleases us that bishop, presbyter, deacon, and all who handle the sacred things, as guardians of chastity, abstain from women. All the bishops said: It pleases us that all who attend upon, that is, minister at, the altar preserve chastity.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: The desire of greed, which no one doubts to be the mother of all evils, must be restrained, so that no one misuse what belongs to another, nor transgress the limits of the Fathers for the sake of gain, nor in any way be permitted, as a cleric, to take interest from any transaction whatsoever. Matters newly reported, being obscure and generally unknown, will be examined by us and regulated. But concerning those things that divine Scripture has most clearly legislated, there is no need to vote; rather, we must follow. For what is blameworthy in laypeople ought much more to be condemned in clerics. The whole Synod said: No one has acted contrary to the Prophets or contrary to the Gospels without danger.

Direct English translation

Fortunatus the bishop said: We remember that in the preceding Synods it was determined that the making of chrism, the reconciliation of penitents, and the consecration of virgins, places, and temples are not to be performed by presbyters. If anyone should arise doing this, what are we to determine concerning him? Aurelius the bishop said: Your dignity has heard what was reported by our brother and fellow minister Fortunatus; what do you say to these things? All the bishops said: The making of chrism and the consecration of virgins are not to be performed by presbyters; neither is it permitted for a presbyter to reconcile anyone in a public liturgical act. This pleases all.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: If anyone standing in danger asks to be reconciled to the sacred altars while the bishop is absent, the presbyter ought properly to consult the bishop and thus reconcile the person in danger according to his instruction. We ought to confirm this matter by a salutary decision. All the bishops said: What your holiness has judged necessary for our benefit pleases us.

Direct English translation

Numidius, bishop of Maxula, said: There are many persons of bad conduct who think that fathers and bishops ought casually to be brought under accusation. Ought such persons to be received or not? Aurelius the bishop said: Does it please your charity that persons entangled in some defilement should lodge an accusation against fathers? All the bishops said: If such a person has been discredited, let him not be received.

Direct English translation

Augustine the bishop, legate of the province of Numidia, said: Be pleased to determine that, when persons who have deservedly been expelled from the Church for their offenses are received into communion by any bishop or presbyter, the one receiving them shall likewise be found liable to the same charge, together with those who flee the canonical judgment of their own bishop. All the bishops said: This pleases all.

Direct English translation

Alypius the bishop, legate of the province of Numidia, said: Neither ought this to be passed over: if perhaps a presbyter, condemned by his own bishop and lifted up by some conceit and pride, thinks that he ought separately to offer holy things to God, or thinks to set up another altar contrary to ecclesiastical faith and order, let such a person not go unpunished. Valentinus, bishop of the first see of the province of Numidia, said: The things put forward by our brother Alypius are necessarily consonant with ecclesiastical faith and order. Therefore say what seems good to your charity.

Direct English translation

All the bishops said: If any presbyter is condemned in his conduct, such a person ought to report the matter to the neighboring bishops, so that they may hear the case and through them he may be reconciled to his own bishop. But if he does not do this and—far be it—being puffed up with pride separates himself from communion with his own bishop and, making a schism in private with certain persons, offers a sanctification to God, let such a person be regarded as anathema and lose his own place, with inquiry nevertheless being made as to whether he may have a just complaint against the bishop.

Direct English translation

Felix the bishop said: I report, in accordance with what was determined by the ancient Synods, that if any bishop—far be it—falls under some accusation, and there is great necessity because many cannot assemble, so that he not remain under the accusation, let him be heard by twelve bishops; a presbyter by six bishops together with his own bishop; and a deacon by three.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: What does your holiness say to these things? All the bishops said: The things determined by those before us ought to be kept by us, although at times the primates of any province rashly dare through lack of counsel to neglect them. Therefore many bishops assembled shall ordain a bishop. But if necessity arises, three bishops, wherever they may be, shall ordain the bishop by command of the primate. And if anyone in any matter contradicts his own confession or signature, he shall deprive himself of his honor.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, because of the scarcity of the country, one bishop from Tripolis come as legate; and that a presbyter there be heard by five bishops, and a deacon by three, as was said above, with his own bishop of course presiding.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if any bishop, presbyter, deacon, or cleric has a criminal or civil case raised against him in the Church and, rejecting the ecclesiastical tribunal, wishes to clear himself in public courts, even if judgment is pronounced in his favor, he shall nevertheless lose his own place; this in a criminal matter. In a civil matter, he shall lose what he won if he wishes to retain his own place. It also pleased us that, when an appeal is taken from any ecclesiastical judges to other ecclesiastical judges possessing greater authority, those whose judgment is overturned are to suffer no harm unless they can be proved to have judged through enmity, favoritism, or to have been corrupted by some favor. But if the judges were chosen by consent of the parties, even if fewer than the prescribed number, no appeal is permitted. It also pleased us that the children of priests are neither to perform secular spectacles nor to watch them; and this has always been proclaimed to all Christians, that they abstain from these things and not approach places where there are blasphemies.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that bishops, presbyters, and deacons are not to become contractors or procurators, nor to obtain their livelihood from any shameful or dishonorable business; for they ought to look to what is written: No one serving as a soldier for God entangles himself in secular affairs. Readers, when they reach the time of puberty, are to be required either to take wives or to profess continence. Likewise it pleased us that, if a cleric lends money for use, he is to receive the money itself; and if he lends a thing, he is to receive as much as he gave. Deacons are not to be ordained before twenty-five years of age; and readers are not to bow to the people.

Direct English translation

It likewise pleased us that Mauretania Sitifensis, as it requested, should have its own primate instead of the primate of the province of Numidia, from whose Synod it has been separated. Therefore, with the consent of all the primates of the African provinces and of all the bishops, because of the great distance, it was permitted to have its own primate.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, when a bishop or cleric is ordained, the things decreed by the Synods are first to be placed in his hearing by those ordaining him, lest, by acting contrary to the determinations of the Synod, he afterward repent.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: If any bishop is accused, let the accuser bring the matter before the primates of his province; and let the accused not be barred from communion unless, after being summoned by letters to make his defense before the tribunal of those chosen to judge, he fails to appear on the appointed day, that is, within a period of one month from the day on which he is shown to have received the letters. But if he proves certain true and compelling causes that prevented him from appearing to defend himself against the charges brought against him, let him have an unimpaired opportunity within another month; but after the second month let him not communicate until he is proved innocent. If he is unwilling to appear before the entire annual Synod so that his case may at least there be concluded, he shall be judged to have pronounced the sentence of condemnation against himself. During the time when he does not communicate, let him communicate neither in his own church nor in a parish. His accuser, if he is absent nowhere during the days when the case is being examined, is not to be barred from communion; but if at some point he absents himself by withdrawing, then, when the bishop is restored to communion, the accuser himself is to be cast out of communion, yet without taking away from him the opportunity to prosecute the case if he can prove within the prescribed time that he did not refuse but was unable to appear. It is clear that, when the case is being conducted before the tribunal of bishops, if the person of the accuser has been discredited, he is not to be received as an accuser, unless he wishes to pursue his own personal matter rather than an ecclesiastical one.

Direct English translation

If presbyters or deacons are accused, let the lawful number of bishops from the neighboring district whom the accused request be joined to the hearing—that is, six in the case of a presbyter and three in the case of a deacon—and together with them the bishop proper to the accused shall examine their cases, with the same rule concerning days, postponements, examinations, and the persons of accusers and accused being observed. But the cases of the remaining clerics are to be judged and concluded by the local bishop alone.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that children of clerics are not to be joined in marriage with pagans or heretics.

Direct English translation

Nor, as has been said, are bishops or clerics to bring such persons into possession of their own property by means of a gift.

Direct English translation

Likewise bishops are not to travel overseas unless with the authorization of the bishop of the first see of each one's own province, that is, unless he has specifically received from the primate the document called a dismissal, or letter of recommendation.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, apart from the canonical Scriptures, nothing is to be read in the Church under the name of divine Scriptures. The canonical Scriptures are these: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua the son of Nun, Judges, Ruth, four books of Kingdoms, two books of Chronicles, Job, the Psalter, five books of Solomon, twelve books of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Tobit, Judith, Esther, two books of Ezra; of the New Testament: four Gospels, one book of the Acts of the Apostles, fourteen Epistles of Paul, two of the Apostle Peter, three of the Apostle John, one of the Apostle James, one of the Apostle Jude, and one book of the Apocalypse of John. Let this be made known to our brother and fellow minister Boniface and to the other bishops of those regions for confirmation of the canon set forth, because we received from the Fathers that these are to be read in the Church.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: I add, most honored brethren, to these things, when the matter of the continence of certain clerics from their own wives, especially readers, is raised, what has been confirmed in various Synods: that subdeacons who handle the sacred Mysteries, and deacons, presbyters, and also bishops, according to their own prescribed rules, are to practice continence even from their wives, so as to be as though not having them. If they do not do this, they are to be removed from ecclesiastical duty. The remaining clerics are not to be compelled to this except at a more advanced age. The whole Synod said: We confirm as priestly and pleasing to God the things which your holiness has rightly regulated.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that no one is to sell ecclesiastical property. If such property yields no revenue and some great necessity presses, this is to be made known to the primate of the same province, and with the prescribed number of bishops they are to deliberate what ought to be done. But if so great a necessity of the Church presses that consultation before the sale is impossible, the bishop is at least to call the neighboring bishops as witnesses, taking care afterward to demonstrate to the Synod all the circumstances that befell his Church. If he does not do this, the seller shall appear liable before God and the Synod and alien from his own honor.

Direct English translation

Likewise it was confirmed that, if presbyters or deacons are convicted of some graver sin that necessarily removes them from ministry, hands are not to be laid on them as on penitents or as on faithful laypeople; nor are they to be permitted, by being baptized again, to advance again to a degree of the clergy.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, in cases which presbyters, deacons, and the remaining lower clerics have, if they complain of the tribunals of their own bishops, the neighboring bishops are to hear them, and bishops invited by them, with the consent of their own bishop, are to settle the matters between them. Therefore, if they think an appeal is to be made even from these, they are not to appeal to tribunals across the sea, but to the primates of their own provinces, as has often been determined concerning bishops also. Those who appeal to tribunals across the sea are to be received into communion by no one in Africa.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased the whole Synod that, if one who has been put out of communion through his own negligence—whether a bishop or any cleric—dares during the time of his lack of communion, before being heard, to enter communion, he is to be judged to have pronounced the sentence of condemnation against himself.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if the accused or the accuser fears some violence from a rash multitude in the place from which the accused comes, he may choose for himself a nearby place where he has no difficulty producing witnesses, and there the case is to be concluded.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if any clerics or deacons do not obey their bishops when, because of certain compelling needs of their churches, the bishops wish to raise them to greater honors in their church, such persons are not even to minister in that degree from which they were unwilling to depart.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that bishops, presbyters, deacons, or any clerics who possessed nothing, if during the time of their episcopate or clerical service they advance in wealth and purchase fields or any estates in their own name, are to be regarded as having encroached upon the Master's property, unless, after being reminded, they bring these things into the Church. But if something comes to them personally through another's generosity or by succession from relatives, let them do with it what their intention determines. If, however, after declaring their intention they afterward turn back from it, let them be judged unworthy and unapproved for ecclesiastical honor.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that presbyters are not to sell property of the church in which they are established contrary to the judgment of their own bishops, just as bishops are not permitted to sell estates of the Church without the knowledge of the Synod or of their own presbyters. Therefore, when there is no necessity, neither is a bishop permitted to misuse property belonging to the title of the ecclesiastical register.

Direct English translation

Epigonius the bishop said: In this summary extracted from the Synod at Hippo, we think nothing needs correction or addition except that the day of holy Pascha be made known at the time of the Synod.

Direct English translation

Bishops and clerics are not to permit their children to go out independently by emancipation until they are assured concerning both their conduct and their age, so that thereafter their sins may fall upon themselves.

Direct English translation

Bishops, presbyters, and deacons are not to be ordained before they have made all the Christians in their household Orthodox.

Direct English translation

Nothing more is to be offered among the Holy Things than the Body and Blood of the Lord, as the Lord Himself handed down, that is, bread and wine mixed with water. A firstfruit, whether honey or milk, as is customary, may be offered on the one customary day for the mystery of infants; although these are offered at the altar, they are nevertheless to have their own proper blessing, so that they are distinguished from the sanctification of the Lord's Body and Blood. Nothing more is to be offered among firstfruits than grapes and wheat.

Direct English translation

Clerics or ascetics are not to enter the homes of widows or virgins except by commission and consent of their own bishop or of the presbyters. Even then they are not to do this alone, but with fellow clerics, or with those persons together with whom alone the bishop or the presbyters have access to women of this kind, or where clerics or certain honorable Christians are present.

Direct English translation

The bishop of the first see is not to be called exarch of the priests, or highest priest, or anything of that kind, but only bishop of the first see.

Direct English translation

Clerics are not to enter taverns for the sake of eating or drinking, unless compelled by the necessity of travel.

Direct English translation

The Holy Things of the altar are not to be celebrated except by persons who are fasting, with the exception of the one annual day on which the Lord's Supper is celebrated. If, however, a commemoration is held in the evening for any who have died, whether bishops or others, let it be completed with prayers only if those performing it are found to have already eaten.

Direct English translation

Bishops or clerics are not to hold banquets in the church, unless perhaps, being compelled by the necessity of travel, they lodge there. The people also are, as far as possible, to be restrained from banquets of this kind.

Direct English translation

For those who repent, periods of repentance are to be determined according to the difference of the sins and by the judgment of the bishops. A presbyter is not to reconcile a penitent contrary to the judgment of the bishop, unless necessity presses while the bishop is absent. If the offense of any penitent is public and notorious, so as to stir the whole Church, the hand is to be laid upon him before the apse.

Direct English translation

Sacred virgins, when they are separated from the fathers by whom they had been guarded, are, by the care of the bishop, or in his absence of the presbyter, to be entrusted to more honorable women, or, by living together, to guard one another, so that by wandering everywhere they do not injure the reputation of the Church.

Direct English translation

Those who are ill and cannot answer for themselves are then to be baptized when testimony concerning them is given in accordance with their own intention, by persons doing so at their own responsibility.

Direct English translation

It is also permitted that the accounts of the sufferings of the martyrs be read when their annual commemorative days are celebrated.

Direct English translation

It pleased us to ask our brethren and fellow priests Siricius and Simplicianus concerning infants baptized among the Donatists: whether that which they did not do by their own intention, but which happened through the error of their parents, should hinder them from advancing to ministry at the holy altar when with a saving intention they return to the Church of God. When these matters were introduced, Honoratus and Urbanus, bishops of Mauretania Sitifensis, said that because the expected legates of Numidia had not arrived, they should no longer delay the matters entrusted to them by their fellow bishops. Concerning the faith of the discussion at Nicaea, they had heard; and it was confirmed as true concerning the Holy Things performed after a meal that they ought, as is fitting, to be offered by those who are fasting.

Direct English translation

We also report what was entrusted to us and what was determined at the Synod of Capua: that rebaptisms, reordinations, and transfers of bishops are not to take place. Cresconius, bishop of the district of Reca, despised his own people and entered the Church of Tubunae; and although he has often been reminded, according to the determination, to leave the same church which he invaded, he has not chosen to do so. We have heard the previous reports concerning him to be confirmed, and according to what was entrusted to us we ask that liberty be granted us, since necessity requires it, to approach the ruler of the province against him in accordance with the ordinances of the most glorious emperors, so that one who was unwilling to obey the gentle admonition of your holiness and correct the inexcusable act may immediately be restrained by civil authority. Aurelius the bishop said that, with the established form of order preserved, if after being gently asked by your charity to withdraw he refuses, then because by his own contempt and obstinacy he has brought himself to civil authority, this course is just. Honoratus and Urbanus asked whether this pleased all, and all the bishops answered: It is just; it pleases us.

Direct English translation

Honoratus and Urbanus the bishops said: This also was entrusted to us: because recently two of our brother bishops of Numidia dared to ordain a priest, judge that ordinations of bishops are not to take place except by twelve. Aurelius the bishop said: The ancient form shall be preserved, so that no fewer than three bishops appointed for an episcopal ordination suffice. For in Tripolis, and perhaps in Arzuges, barbarian nations lie nearby; and in Tripolis there are only five bishops, as you know, and it is possible that two of that number may often be detained by some necessity. It is difficult for all of any given number always to be able to attend, and this ought not to become an obstacle to the benefit of the Church. Even in this Church, in which your holiness has deigned to assemble, we often have persons to be ordained almost every Lord's Day. Am I then able continually to summon twelve or ten, or even a number not much smaller? But it is easy for my smallness to join two neighboring bishops. Therefore your charity sees with me that the proposed number cannot be maintained.

Direct English translation

It must be determined that, whenever we proceed to the election of a bishop and some objection arises—as matters of this kind have been dealt with among us—it is thereafter unsafe that only three be found to clear the person who is to be ordained. Rather, let one or two be added to the number previously stated, and in the presence of the very people for whom he is to be ordained, let the persons of the objectors first be examined; afterward let the accusations brought forward also be investigated. When he has been shown clear in public view, let him then be ordained. All the bishops said: It greatly pleases us.

Direct English translation

Honoratus and Urbanus the bishops said: Since all the matters in our memorandum must be joined together, we add what was entrusted to us concerning the day of Pascha, so that according to custom we may always be informed by the Church of Carthage and not within too narrow a space of time. Aurelius the bishop said: Since we remember that long ago you promised to assemble every year for discussion, when we come together as one the day of holy Pascha will then be communicated through the legates found at the Synod. Honoratus and Urbanus asked that the provinces now be informed by letters, and Aurelius said that this must be done.

Direct English translation

Honoratus and Urbanus the bishops said: This also was verbally entrusted to us: that you deign to carry out the determination of the Synod at Hippo that each province ought to be visited at the time of the Synod, and that in this year and the next you had arranged to visit Mauretania in order. Aurelius the bishop said: At that time we determined nothing concerning the territory of the Mauretanians, because it lies at the extremities of Africa and borders the barbarian region. But may God grant us, beyond what we promised, to be able to do this and to come to your province. You ought to understand, brethren, that if reason demands this concerning you, the brethren of Tripolis and Arzuges could make the same request concerning themselves.

Direct English translation

Epigonius the bishop said: It has been determined in many Synods that communities in parishes held by bishops which have never had a bishop of their own are not to receive their own rulers, that is bishops, except with the consent of the bishop by whom they were originally held. Certain persons, after obtaining a kind of domination, turn away from the communion of the brethren; and some presbyters, puffed up and foolish, rise against their own bishops and stir up the people by banquets and malicious counsels so that through disorderly favor they establish them as rulers for themselves. Therefore a community subject to an ancient bishop and which has never had a bishop of its own ought not to receive a separate ruler. Aurelius said that those who remain united not only with the Church of Carthage but with the whole priestly fellowship are to retain their sees and the administrations belonging to them, while those who rely only upon their own crowds, despise brotherly love, and refuse to come to the Synod when summoned are to lose not only such administrations but, if they persist as rebels, even their own places by civil authority. All the bishops said: It pleases us.

Direct English translation

Epigonius the bishop said: It has been determined in many Synods, and has now again been confirmed by your understanding, most blessed brethren, that no bishop is to appropriate another's cleric contrary to the judgment of that cleric's former bishop. He then reported the case of Julian, who had taken a man baptized, raised, and made reader in Epigonius's church and had ordained him deacon without Epigonius's consent. Numidius the bishop said that, if Julian is shown to have done this without asking or obtaining Epigonius's approval, all judge the act unjust and improper; and unless Julian corrects his error and restores with due satisfaction to Epigonius's people the cleric whom he dared to ordain contrary to the synodal determinations, he is to be separated from their communion and bear the judgment of his own obstinacy. Epigonius added that the request is intended as a general rule for all.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: Receive my word, brethren. It has often happened that I have been asked by churches in need for deacons, presbyters, or bishops. Remembering the determinations, I have followed them by meeting with the bishop of the cleric being requested and making known to him that a certain church asks for his cleric. Since I carry care for many churches and ordinations, let your charity judge what ought to be done if, after I approach a fellow bishop with two or three witnesses from your fellowship, he is found unwilling to cooperate. Numidius said that this authority has always belonged to this see, to ordain a bishop from wherever it judges suitable according to the need of each church. Epigonius said that kindness moderates the exercise of the authority, and that the Synod was not giving Aurelius a new power but confirming the one already belonging to the see, while preserving consideration for each bishop. When it was asked whether a bishop who has only one presbyter must give even that one, Aurelius answered that one bishop can, by God's permission, ordain many presbyters, while a presbyter suitable for the episcopate is difficult to find; therefore, if a bishop has only one presbyter and he is suitable for the episcopate, even that one ought to be given for ordination. Likewise, a bishop who has many clerics ought to provide one when another church has need.

Direct English translation

Honoratus and Urbanus the bishops said: We heard it determined that parishes are not to receive bishops except with the consent of the bishop under whom they were placed. Yet in our region certain persons who, with the permission of the bishop who originally held the administrations, were ordained bishops for those parishes, now claim other administrations for themselves also. This ought to be prohibited. Epigonius said that nothing is to be detached from the body of parishes held by a bishop in order to receive a bishop of its own except with the consent of the one who has authority; and if he permits one administration to receive its own bishop, the person appointed is not to invade the remaining administrations, because that one administration alone was separated from the body of the many and deemed worthy of its own episcopate. Aurelius said that the bishop appointed with the former bishop's permission is to hold only the people for whom he was ordained. All the bishops confirmed this.

Direct English translation

Since in the preceding Synod it was determined that those baptized as infants among the Donatists, before they were capable of understanding the ruin of their error, when they reach an age capable of reason, learn the truth, abhor that error, and come to the Catholic Church of God spread throughout the world, are to be received according to ancient order by the laying on of hands, the name of the error ought not to prevent such persons from entering the clerical order. Coming in faith, they regarded the true Church as their own and in it believed in Christ and received the sanctifications of the Trinity, which are clearly true, holy, and divine. Although the audacity of heretics presumptuously delivers certain things contrary to the name of truth, those sanctifications are one, as the holy Apostle teaches: one God, one faith, one baptism; and what ought to be given once is not permitted to be repeated. Therefore, after the name of the error is anathematized, they are to be received by the laying on of the hand into the one Church, the dove and sole mother of Christians, in which all the sanctifications are received savingly, eternally, and life-givingly. When proof of a good life is added to such persons, clerical service of the Holy Things may unquestionably be assigned to them, especially under so great a necessity. As for clerics of the same doctrine who desire to come to us with their people and their honors, the matter is to be left to fuller consideration by the brethren mentioned, so that by their wiser counsel they may judge what ought to be determined; but concerning those baptized in infancy, it is sufficient to request their agreement with our judgment concerning their ordination.

Direct English translation

For this reason the most religious emperors are to be asked to command that the remnants of idols throughout all Africa be completely abolished. For in many coastal places and on various estates the iniquity of this error still flourishes. Let it be commanded that these things be erased and that their temples standing in fields and hidden places without any proper use be destroyed in every way.

Direct English translation

It is also necessary to ask that they deign to determine that, if persons wish to litigate in the Church any case under the apostolic law imposed upon the churches and perhaps the decision of the clerics displeases one party, it is not permitted to summon before a tribunal as a witness that cleric who previously examined the same matter or was present while it was being examined; and that no person belonging to the ecclesiastical order is to be compelled to give testimony.

Direct English translation

It is also necessary to ask the Christian emperors that, because contrary to the divine commandments banquets derived from pagan error are held in many places in such a way that even Christians secretly join the pagans in celebrating them, they command such things to be prohibited both in cities and on estates. Especially on the very anniversaries of the blessed martyrs, in certain cities and even in the sacred places themselves, people are not afraid to commit such things; and on those days—what it is shameful even to say—they perform obscene dances in fields and public squares and assail the honor of matrons and the modesty of innumerable other women who have come reverently for the holy day with lustful insults, so that attendance upon the holy faith itself is almost driven away.

Direct English translation

It is also necessary to ask that the spectacles of theatrical games be prohibited on the Lord's Day and on the other festive days of the Christian faith; especially because during the octave of holy Pascha the crowds assemble more at the hippodrome than at the Church. Their appointed days ought therefore to be transferred whenever they coincide, and no Christian ought to be compelled to attend such spectacles.

Direct English translation

It is also necessary to ask that they deign to determine that a cleric of whatever rank who has been condemned for any offense by the judgment of the bishops is not thereafter to be defended either by the Church to which he belonged or by any person whatsoever, with a penalty of loss of money and honor attached to such action, and that neither age nor nature is to be admitted as an excuse.

Direct English translation

Concerning persons of this kind it is also necessary to ask that, if anyone from any occupation connected with public entertainments wishes to come to the grace of Christianity and to remain free from those stains, no one is to be permitted to entice or compel such a person back again to the same performances.

Direct English translation

Concerning the proclamation of manumissions in the Church: if our fellow priests are seen to practice this throughout Italy, and our own confidence clearly follows their order, permission is to be openly given to the legate sent for this purpose, so that whatever things worthy of faith he is able to accomplish for the ecclesiastical order and the salvation of souls may also be received by us with approval before the Lord. All the bishops said: These things please all; the matters proposed and wisely explained by your holiness ought to be carried out.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: I do not think that the matter of Aequitius, long ago condemned according to his deserts by the judgment of the bishops, ought to be omitted from the embassy, so that, if our brother should happen to find him in those regions, it may be his care, as is proper and wherever it is permitted, to take action against him for the sake of ecclesiastical order. All the bishops said: This course greatly pleases us, especially since Aequitius was condemned long ago, and his shameless restlessness must everywhere be resisted more and more for the order and salvation of the Church.

Direct English translation

After all the matters that seemed to contribute to ecclesiastical benefit had been examined and considered, with the Spirit of God consenting and inspiring, we chose to deal gently and peacefully with the persons already mentioned, even though they have cut themselves off from the unity of the Lord's Body through restless discord, so that, as far as lies in us, all those throughout the provinces of Africa who have been ensnared by their communion and fellowship may learn in what pitiable error they have been bound. Perhaps, as the Apostle says, when we correct those who think differently in gentleness, God will give them repentance to the knowledge of the truth, so that those captured from the snares of the devil may recover themselves for His will.

Direct English translation

It therefore pleased us that letters be given from our Synod to the rulers of Africa, from whom it seemed proper to ask assistance for the common mother, the Catholic Church, in those cities where the authority of the bishops is despised; namely, that by civil power and care, and with Christian faith, they investigate what occurred in all the places where the Maximianists occupied churches, and also concerning those who separated from them, and that sure knowledge of these things necessarily be entered for all in the public records.

Direct English translation

It afterward pleased us that letters be sent to our brethren and fellow bishops, and especially to the Apostolic See where the aforementioned venerable brother and fellow minister Anastasius presides, since he knows that Africa has great need that, for the peace and benefit of the Church, whatever clerics of the Donatists wish, with corrected purpose, to pass to Catholic unity may, according to the judgment of each Catholic bishop governing the Church in the same place, be received in their own honors if this appears to contribute to Christian peace. Examples from many, indeed almost all, African churches in which that error arose show that this was done in former times concerning the same division. This is not to dissolve the transmarine Synod concerning the matter, but to preserve its purpose while allowing what clearly serves Catholic unity and the salvation of brethren in particular places. Thus those ordained among the Donatists who, having been corrected, wish to pass to the Catholic faith are not necessarily to be refused reception in their own honors on account of the transmarine decision, but may rather be received where this provides for Catholic unity.

Direct English translation

It then pleased us that, after these things have been done, legates from our number be sent to the Donatists, whether they have bishops or laypeople, to proclaim peace and unity, without which the salvation of Christians cannot be established. Through these legates let it be made known to all that they have no reasonable case against the Catholic Church, and especially let their own public acts concerning the Maximianists, their schismatics, be made plain as evidence. For among those whom they themselves openly condemned they afterward received some again in their own honors, and they accepted the baptism given by persons whom they had condemned and cast out. Thus they may be shown how irrationally they oppose the peace of the Church spread throughout the world: they do these things for the party of Donatus and do not say that they are defiled by communion with those whom they themselves received for the sake of peace, yet they contend against us, that is against the Catholic Church reaching even to the ends of the earth, because of communion with persons whom they had formerly accused but were unable to convict.

Direct English translation

In addition, when certain clerics' continence with regard to their own wives was mentioned, it pleased us that bishops, presbyters, and deacons, according to the rules proper to them, are to abstain even from their own wives; if they do not do this, they are to be removed from the ecclesiastical order. The remaining clerics are not to be compelled to this, but the custom of each Church is to be observed.

Direct English translation

It again pleased us that no bishop is permitted, after leaving his own proper see, to transfer himself to some church placed under another administration, or, by being occupied with a private affair longer than he ought, to neglect the care and regular attendance of his own throne.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us concerning infants that, whenever reliable witnesses cannot be found who say without doubt that they have been baptized, and they themselves because of infancy are unable suitably to answer concerning the mystagogy administered to them, they ought to be baptized without any obstacle, lest such doubt deprive them of the purification of this sanctification. Our brethren who are legates of the Moors advised this because they redeem many such children from the barbarians.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that the day of venerable Pascha be made known to all through the subscription of the decrees. The day of the Synod is to remain the same as that determined at the Synod at Hippo, namely the tenth day before the Kalends of September; and it is also to be written to the primates of all the provinces that, when they summon a Synod among themselves, they observe this day.

Direct English translation

Likewise it was determined that no administrator is permitted to retain the see for which he was appointed administrator because of any efforts or divisions among the people, but he is to take care that a bishop be provided for them within one year. If he neglects this, after the completion of the year another administrator is to be appointed.

Direct English translation

It seemed good to all to ask the emperors, because of the oppression of the poor by whose troubles the Church is continually burdened, that defenders be appointed for them, with the bishops' care, against the tyranny of the wealthy.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, whenever a Synod must be assembled, bishops who are prevented neither by age, illness, nor any weightier necessity are duly to attend. The primates of each province are to be informed concerning all the bishops, whether there are two or three local gatherings; and from each gathering those chosen in turn are to attend punctually on the day of the Synod. If they cannot attend because some sudden necessities have arisen, unless they give the reason for their impediment to their own primate, such persons ought to be content with communion in their own church alone.

Direct English translation

Concerning Cresconius of Villaregia it pleased all that the primate of Numidia likewise be informed, so that he may know that he ought by his own letters to exhort the aforementioned Cresconius to assemble and not postpone appearing at the approaching general African Synod. If he despises the summons to come, let him know that a sentence will be legislated against him.

Direct English translation

It again pleased us that, since the abandonment of the Church of the stewards at Hippo ought not to be neglected much longer, and since the churches there are held by those who refused the irregular communion of Aequitius, the bishops Reginus, Alypius, Augustine, Maternus, Theasius, Evodius, Placianus, Urbanus, Valerius, Ambivius, Fortunatus, Quodvultdeus, Honoratus, Januarius, Aptus, Honoratus, Ampelius, Victorianus, Evangelus, and Rogatianus are to be sent from the present Synod; and after they assemble and correct those who, through blameworthy obstinacy, think that they must await the flight of Aequitius, a bishop is to be ordained for them with the prayer of all. If those persons are unwilling to understand peace, let them not hinder the election of a president to be ordained for the benefit of the Church which has been abandoned for so long.

Direct English translation

It was again determined that, whenever clerics who have been convicted and have confessed certain offenses nevertheless, either because of the reproach to the Church, the dignity of the persons for whose sake leniency is shown, or the arrogant boasting of heretics and pagans, wish as is natural to contend for their own case and take care for their own innocence, they are to do so within one year of their exclusion from communion. If within the year they neglect to clear their case, thereafter no voice from them is to be received at all.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if anyone receives a person from another monastery and wishes either to advance him to the clergy or to establish him as abbot of his own monastery, the bishop who does this is to be separated from the communion of the others and content with the communion of his own people alone; and the person received is to continue neither as a cleric nor as an abbot.

Direct English translation

Likewise it was determined that, if any bishop prefers as heirs relatives who are heretics, or persons outside his own kin who are heretics or pagans, rather than the Church, let anathema be pronounced upon such a person even after death, and let his name in no way be commemorated by the priests of God. Nor is he to be able to excuse himself if he dies intestate, since, having become a bishop, he ought reasonably to arrange his property in a manner befitting his profession.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that a request be made to the emperor concerning manumissions carried out in the Church.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that altars set up everywhere through fields and vineyards as though in memory of martyrs, in which no body or relic of martyrs is shown to be deposited, are, if possible, to be destroyed by the local bishops. If this cannot be done because of disturbances among the people, the crowds are nevertheless to be admonished not to frequent such places, so that those who think rightly may not be bound by any superstition connected with them. No commemoration of martyrs is to be celebrated at all unless either a body or some relics are there, or unless some ancient tradition faithfully hands down the place as a dwelling, possession, or place of suffering of a martyr. As for altars established anywhere through dreams and vain revelations of certain persons, they are to be rejected in every way.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us to request from the most glorious emperors that the remnants of idolatry, not only in carved images but also in any places, groves, or trees whatsoever, be erased in every way.

Direct English translation

All the bishops said that, if it is judged that any letters ought to be dictated in the Synod, the venerable bishop presiding in this see may deign to dictate and sign them in the name of all. It also pleased us that letters be given to the bishops serving as legates who are to be sent into the provinces of Africa concerning the Donatists, containing the force of their commission, which authority they are not to exceed. And they signed. Aurelius, bishop of the Church of Carthage, consented to the present decree and, after it was read, signed it; likewise the remaining bishops signed.

Direct English translation

Valentinus the bishop said: If the goodness of your forbearance permits, I shall in sequence explain the things done in the Church of Carthage in the former time and openly confirmed by the signatures of the brethren, and shall confess that we also will continue to keep them. We know that ecclesiastical order is always to be preserved undefiled, so that none of the brethren dare rashly to prefer himself over those before him, but according to the order of charity precedence has always been accorded to the earlier, and those coming afterward have graciously accepted this. Let your holiness therefore more firmly confirm this order by your decisions. Aurelius the bishop said: We ought not to have to repeat these matters unless perhaps some uncomprehending minds had arisen that sharpen our attention toward these determinations. But since this is a common cause, as our brother and fellow minister has now made clear, so that each of us may know the rank assigned to him by God, and those who are later may defer to those who are earlier and not dare to do anything contrary to their judgment, I say that those who despise their predecessors and dare anything of the kind ought fittingly to be restrained by the whole Synod. Xantippus, bishop of the first see of Numidia, asked what the assembly answered. The bishops affirmed that what was determined by the ancient judgment is to remain firm, and that this order, preserved by the Fathers and ancients, shall by God's permission be preserved also by them, with the rights of the primates of Numidia and Mauretania also preserved. It then pleased all the bishops who signed this Synod that the matricula and original register of Numidia be kept both at the first see and at the metropolis Constantina.

Direct English translation

Concerning Quodvultdeus of Centuria: because, when his opponent requested that the case be brought before our Synod and he was asked whether he wished to be tried with him before the bishops, he first promised that he did, but on the next day answered that this no longer pleased him and withdrew, it pleased all the bishops that no one communicate with the same Quodvultdeus until his case is concluded. For that the episcopate should be taken from him before the outcome of his case can seem right to no Christian.

Direct English translation

Concerning Maximianus of Vaga, it pleased us that letters be given from the Synod both to him and to the people, so that he withdraw from the episcopate and they seek another for themselves.

Direct English translation

It then pleased us that whoever hereafter is ordained throughout the provinces of Africa receive from those who ordain him letters signed by their own hands containing the consulship and the day, so that no dispute about later or earlier ordination may arise.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that anyone who has read even once in a church is not to be accepted for enrollment in the clergy by another church. And they signed.

Direct English translation

Aurelius the bishop said: I judge that the matter brought before your charity ought to be confirmed in the ecclesiastical acts. The promise of all of us has proposed this: that each of us in his own city is to meet personally with the leaders of the Donatists, or join to himself another neighboring bishop, so that they may likewise meet such persons in each city and place through the magistrates or the leading persons there. If this pleases all, let it be ordered. All the bishops said: It pleases all, and we have all confirmed this by our signatures. We also ask that your holiness sign on behalf of all the letters that are to be sent from the Synod to the rulers. Aurelius said: If it seems good to your charity, let the form of the meeting with them be read, so that, if it pleases, we may all maintain this same manner of proceeding. All the bishops said: Let it be read. Laitus the notary read it.

Direct English translation

A bishop of the Catholic Church said: We ask your honor to order that what has been entrusted to us by the authority of that greatest see be read and carried out. After the command was read and entered into the acts, a bishop of the Catholic Church said: Deign to hear the commission that is to be carried by your honor to the Donatists, to enter it in the acts, to convey it to them, and to make their answer known to us again through your acts. We come to you, having been officially sent by our Catholic Synod, desiring to rejoice in your correction. For we know the love of the Lord who said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God'; and through the Prophet He also reminded us that even to those who do not wish to be called our brethren we are to say, 'You are our brethren.' Therefore you ought not to despise this reminder of ours which comes from peaceful love, so that, if you think that you possess any truth, you do not hesitate to maintain it. Assemble your Synod and choose from among yourselves those to whom the defense of your position is to be entrusted, so that we may do the same; namely, that from our Synod persons be chosen who, together with those chosen by you, at an appointed place and time may peacefully examine the whole question that separates your communion from ours. Thus, even though late, with the help of the Lord our God, the ancient error may receive an end, lest weak souls and inexperienced peoples perish through a sacrilegious division because of the obstinacy of men. If you accept this fraternally, the truth will readily become clear; but if you are unwilling to do it, your lack of confidence will immediately be made known. When this form had been read, all the bishops said: It greatly pleases us; this shall be done. And they signed.

Direct English translation

A memorandum to the brothers Theasius and Evodius, sent as legates from the Synod of Carthage to the most glorious and most religious emperors. When, by the help of the Lord, they come before the most pious emperors, they are to make known how, with full freedom, according to the Synod of the preceding year, the leaders of the Donatists were urged through the municipal acts to assemble, so that, if they had confidence to defend their own doctrine, they might choose suitable persons from their number, enter into peaceful discussion with us, and in Christian gentleness show plainly whatever truth they thought they possessed. Thus the sincerity of the Catholic position, which had shone from ancient times, would also now be known through the ignorance and obstinacy of those who opposed it. But because they were held back by lack of confidence, they dared to answer almost nothing. Since therefore episcopal and peaceful order had been fully observed toward such persons, while they, being unable to answer the truth, turned to improper violence, laying plots against many bishops and clerics—not to speak of laypeople—seizing certain churches and attempting likewise to attack others, it now belongs to the emperors' philanthropy to take care that the Catholic Church, which gave them religious birth and nurtured them in the firmness of the faith, be strengthened also by their protection, lest rash men in their pious times dominate weak peoples by fear when they are unable to corrupt them by persuasion. For what the hateful multitude of those holding unlawful assemblies does is known and repeatedly proclaimed by the laws, and such acts have often been condemned by decrees of the same most pious emperors. Against their frenzy we therefore ask for lawful assistance, neither unusual nor foreign to the Holy Scriptures, since Paul the Apostle, as shown in the true Acts of the Apostles, escaped the conspiracy of disorderly men through military aid. We therefore ask that protection be provided without delay for the Catholic order of the churches in every city and in the various places of neighboring estates. At the same time it is to be requested that the law issued by their father Theodosius of pious memory concerning the penalty of ten pounds of gold against heretics who ordain and are ordained be maintained also against the owners on whose properties their assembly is found, and that the law be confirmed so as to apply to those because of whose attacks Catholics who had been summoned lodged formal complaints, so that even through this fear persons who postpone being cleansed and corrected by consideration of eternal punishment may cease from making schisms and from the depravity of the heretics. It is also to be asked that the existing law which takes from heretics the capacity to receive or leave anything through inheritances or wills, and generally the legal rights of leaving or receiving property, be renewed against those blinded by the madness of their own obstinacy who wish to remain in the Donatist error. But for those who, by understanding unity and peace, wish to correct themselves, let the operation of such a law be suspended and let access be opened for receiving an inheritance, even when a gift or inheritance had accrued to them while they were still in the error of the heretics—except for those who, only after being brought to trial, thought that they ought to pass to the Catholic Church, since such persons are to be believed to have desired Catholic unity not from fear of heavenly judgment but from greed for earthly advantage. In all these matters the aid of the authorities of each province is needed; and if the legates perceive anything else profitable for ecclesiastical benefit, we give them full authority to accomplish and complete it. It also pleased us that letters be sent from our assembly to the most glorious emperors and the higher authorities informing them that, with the consent of us all, the legates have been sent by us to the most blessed imperial court. Since it would be very slow for all of us to sign the same letters, and so that they not be burdened with every individual signature, we ask you, brother Aurelius, to deign to sign them in the name of all of us. Letters are also to be sent to the rulers so that, until the Lord deigns to return the legates to us, protection be assigned throughout the cities and estates to the Catholic Church. The matter of Aequitius is also to be added, so that his shamelessness be driven from the administrations which he claims for himself from the priestly rights of the stewards of the Church at Hippo. Letters ought also to be sent to the bishop of the Roman Church concerning the reception of the legates, and to the others wherever the emperor is. And they signed.

Direct English translation

Let a free legation from all the provinces be sent to the Synod. Legates and letters were ordered to be sent to Misonius because he ought to send a free delegation. Since unity had been effected only in Carthage, letters are to be sent to the rulers so that in the other provinces and cities as well the same rulers may order earnest assistance to be given to unity. Thanksgiving from the Church at Carthage on behalf of all Africa for the expulsion of the Donatists is to be sent to the imperial court with letters of the bishops. Letters of Pope Innocent were read, providing that bishops are not to go casually to regions across the sea; this same rule was confirmed by the judgments of the bishops. For the thanksgiving concerning the expulsion of the Donatists, two clerics of the Church of Carthage are to be sent to the imperial court.

Direct English translation

It pleased us that there no longer be a yearly necessity for the brethren to be worn down by assembling, but whenever a common need, that is, one concerning all Africa, calls for it, letters being sent from wherever necessary to this see, a Synod is to be assembled in that province to which need and suitability direct; but cases that are not common are to be judged in their own provinces.

Direct English translation

If an appeal occurs and the appellant chooses judges, and the person against whom he has appealed chooses them together with him, thereafter neither party is permitted to appeal from those judges.

Direct English translation

It also pleased us that the legates Vincentius and Fortunatianus, who are to travel in the name of all the provinces, ask the most glorious emperors that permission be given to appoint legal advocates whose profession is this very ministry of defending cases, so that those who undertake the defense of the churches may, as servants of the province, readily be able, whenever necessity requires, to act concerning ecclesiastical matters, oppose difficulties that arise, report what is necessary, and enter the chambers of the courts. It likewise pleased us that the chosen legates sent to the imperial court have full authority for their mission. The Caesarean Mauretanians are moreover to notify Primosus through the leading men of the city of Tigava to attend fully according to the imperial ordinances. When sought, however, Primosus was not found, as the deacons reported. Since the Mauretanians requested that letters from the whole Synod be sent to the venerable elder brother Innocent, it pleased us that they be sent, so that he may know that Primosus was sought at the Synod and was not found.

Direct English translation

It also pleased us that peoples who have never had bishops of their own are in no way to receive one unless a decree is issued by the whole Synod of each province and by the primate, and with the consent of the bishop under whose administration that Church had been placed.

Direct English translation

Likewise those peoples returning from the Donatists who had bishops contrary to the judgment of the Synod are unquestionably to be permitted to retain them. But peoples who had a bishop and, after his death, did not wish to have a bishop of their own but chose to come under the administration of another bishop are not to be denied this. It was also reported that bishops who, before the promulgation of the imperial law concerning unity, bring back to the Catholic Church the peoples whom they themselves had are to retain those peoples. But from the law of unity onward, all the churches and their administrations, and any rights that may belong to the legal title of those churches, are to be claimed by the Catholic bishops in the places where they had been held by heretics, whether those heretics afterward return to the Catholic Church or do not return; and if any persons have wrongfully retained anything of this kind after the imperial law, those things ought to be restored.

Direct English translation

According to the report and petition of Bishop Maurentius, after the memorandum brought by Bishop Placentinus, who was filling the place of the legate of the Numidians, had been read in accordance with his judgment before the bishops, and after those said to be present outside the doors—that is, the elders from Nova Germana—had been sought and not found, and had been sought a second and a third time, the holy Synod judged that letters should therefore be sent to the elder Xantippus so that it might be known that the bishop had not fallen under insult by the deliberate choice of the aforementioned people. Bishop Maurentius said: Since the elders from Nova Germana were sought a second and a third time and were not found, although they had been ordered by the primate to attend the venerable Synod now being held on the Ides, they have all attended instead to their own abstention. Therefore let your holiness judge concerning this matter, so that I may not be unjustly worn down by the persistence of their calumny. The holy Synod determined that, according to priestly judgment, a sentence ought indeed to be issued by this Synod against those who persist obstinately; but because ecclesiastical gentleness must be preserved in all matters, letters to the elder Xantippus were held back so that he might know that judges had been chosen by the Synod who are without delay to examine the matter at the city of Thubursicum, in order that a decision appropriate to the case may be given. Bishop Maurentius requested as judges the most holy elder Xantippus, the most holy Augustine, Florentinus, Theasius, Samsucius, Secundus, and Possidius, and asked that this be decreed for him. The holy Synod approved the requested judges; the elder Xantippus is to decree that the elders from Nova Germana themselves choose the remaining necessary judges to complete the number.

Direct English translation

It also pleased us that, concerning the disagreement between the Churches of Rome and Alexandria, a letter be written to the most holy Pope Innocent so that both Churches may preserve toward one another the peace which the Lord commands.

Direct English translation

It pleased us that, according to evangelical and apostolic teaching, neither a man dismissed by his wife nor a woman dismissed by her husband is to be joined to another; rather, they are either to remain as they are or be reconciled to one another. If they disregard this, they are to be compelled to repentance. Concerning this matter it is necessary also to ask that an imperial law be issued.

Direct English translation

It also pleased us that the prayers confirmed in the Synod—whether prefaces, commendations, or prayers at the laying on of the hand—are to be performed by all, and that other prayers contrary to the faith are never to be introduced at all; rather, those collected by the more prudent are to be used.

Direct English translation

It pleased us that whoever asks the emperor for a decision by the public tribunals is to be deprived of his own honor; but if he asks the emperor for an episcopal judgment, nothing is to hinder him.

Direct English translation

Whoever, while not in communion in Africa, secretly makes his way overseas in order to obtain communion shall incur the loss of his clerical standing.

Direct English translation

It pleased us that whoever wishes to go to the imperial court is to have this expressly stated in the dismissal letter sent to the Church of Rome, and from there is also to receive a dismissal letter for the imperial court. Therefore, if one who has received a dismissal only for Rome, concealing the necessity on account of which he must go to the imperial court, wishes immediately to proceed to the court, let him be removed from communion. But if there in Rome a sudden necessity arises for him to go to the imperial court, let him make that necessity known to the bishop of Rome and carry a copy from that bishop of Rome. The dismissal letters given by primates or by any bishops to their own clerics are to contain the date of Pascha; but if the day of Pascha for that same year is not yet known, let the date of the preceding year be added, in the manner in which after the consulship is customarily written in public acts. It also pleased us that the legates sent from this venerable Synod against the Donatists, pagans, and their religious practices may request from the most glorious emperors whatever they perceive to be useful. It also pleased us, at the request of all the bishops, that your holiness alone sign all the letters that must be issued by the Synod. And they signed.

Direct English translation

In the seventh consulship of the most glorious Emperor Honorius and the third of Theodosius, the Augusti, on the seventeenth day before the Kalends of July, at Carthage in the Church of Secundus, it pleased this Synod that a single bishop is not to vindicate his own judgment by himself.

Direct English translation

After the eighth consulship of the most glorious Emperor Honorius and the fourth of Theodosius, the Augusti, on the eighteenth day before the Kalends of July, at Carthage in the church of the district of Secunda: in this Synod the bishops Florentius, Possidius, Praesidius, and Venantius received a legation against the Donatists. At this time a law was given so that each person might undertake the practice of Christianity by free choice.

Direct English translation

In the twelfth consulship of the most glorious Emperor Honorius and the eighth of Theodosius, on the Kalends of May, at Carthage in the secretarium of the Church of Faustus, with Bishop Aurelius presiding together with the whole Synod and the deacons present, it pleased all the bishops of the Church at Carthage assembled in holy Synod, whose names and signatures were entered.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever denies that little and newborn children baptized from their mothers' wombs are baptized for the remission of sins, or says that they draw nothing from the ancestral sin of Adam which must be cleansed by the washing of regeneration—with the consequence that in them the form of baptism 'for the remission of sins' is understood not as true but as fictitious—let him be anathema. For what was said by the Apostle, 'Through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death; and so it passed to all men, in whom all sinned,' is not to be understood otherwise than the Catholic Church, spread and extended everywhere, has always understood it. For by reason of this rule of faith even little children, who are not yet able to commit any sins in themselves, are truly baptized for the remission of sins, so that through regeneration there may be cleansed in them what they drew from their ancient origin.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever says that the grace of God, by which a person is justified through Jesus Christ our Lord, avails only for the forgiveness of sins already committed and does not also provide help so that further sins are not committed, let him be anathema.

Direct English translation

Likewise, whoever says that the same grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord helps us not to sin only in this respect, that through it knowledge of sins is revealed and made manifest to us so that we know what we ought to seek and what we ought to avoid, but that through it there is not also given to us the ability both to love and to accomplish what we know ought to be done, let him be anathema. For when the Apostle says, 'Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,' it is exceedingly impious to believe that we have the grace of Christ for that which puffs us up but do not have it for that which builds us up, since both are gifts of God: both knowing what ought to be done and loving what ought to be done. Thus, while love builds up, knowledge may not be able to puff up. For just as it is written of God, 'He who teaches man knowledge,' so it is also written, 'Love is from God.'

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever says that the grace of righteousness was given to us for this purpose: that what we are able to do through free choice we may fulfill more easily through grace—as though, even if grace were not given, we could, though not easily, nevertheless still fulfill the divine commandments without it—let him be anathema. For concerning the fruits of the commandments the Lord spoke when He did not say, 'Without Me you can do them with difficulty,' but said, 'Without Me you can do nothing.'

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, concerning what the holy Apostle John said, 'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us,' whoever thinks this is to be received as meaning that merely out of humility we ought not to say that we have no sin, and not because it is truly so, let him be anathema. For, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, who will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every unrighteousness'; from this it is very clearly shown that this is said not only humbly but also truthfully. The Apostle could have said, 'If we say that we have no sin, we exalt ourselves, and humility is not in us'; but by saying, 'We deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us,' he plainly showed that the one who says that he has no sin does not speak the truth but lies.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever says that in the Lord's Prayer the saints say, 'Forgive us our debts,' not because they say this for themselves—as though this petition were no longer necessary for them—but because they say it for other sinners among their people, and that each of the saints does not say, 'Forgive me my debts,' but rather, 'Forgive us our debts,' so that the righteous person is understood to ask this for others rather than for himself, let him be anathema. For the Apostle James was holy and righteous when he said, 'In many things we all sin.' Why was the word 'all' added, unless so that this understanding might agree also with the Psalm where it is read, 'Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no living person shall be justified before You'; and with the prayer of the most wise Solomon, 'There is no man who does not sin'; and in the book of holy Job, 'In the hand of every man He seals, so that every man may know his own weakness.' Therefore the holy and righteous Prophet Daniel also, speaking in the plural, said, 'We have sinned, we have acted lawlessly,' and the other things which he there humbly and truthfully confesses. And lest he be thought, as some badly understand it, to speak not concerning his own sins but only concerning those of his people, he afterward said, 'I was praying and confessing my sins and the sins of my people to the Lord my God.' He did not wish to say merely 'our sins,' but spoke of both the sins of his people and his own, as though the Prophet foresaw those who would afterward understand this so badly.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever wishes the very words of the Lord's Prayer in which we say, 'Forgive us our debts,' to be spoken by the saints merely humbly and not truthfully, let him be anathema. For who could endure one who prays, not to men but to the Lord Himself, while lying—saying with his lips that he wishes to be forgiven, but saying in his heart that he has no sins that need to be forgiven?

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, since some years ago in a plenary Synod held in this Church it was determined that whatever churches under administration became Catholic before the laws concerning the Donatists were issued should belong to those sees through whose bishops they were encouraged to enter Catholic unity, while whatever churches entered after the laws should belong to those sees to which they belonged when they were in the party of Donatus; and since many disputes have afterward arisen and continue to arise among bishops concerning those administrations, for which the earlier provision now appears not to have been complete, it has pleased this holy Synod that wherever there was both a Catholic church and one of the party of Donatus belonging to different sees, and unity there either occurred or shall occur at any time, whether before the laws or after the laws, those places are to belong to the see to which the Catholic church existing there from ancient times belonged.

Direct English translation

This is to be done in such a way that, if bishops from the Donatists have returned to Catholic unity, they are to divide equally between themselves those administrations found in places where both parties existed: some places are to belong to the one and others to the other, so that the bishop older in the episcopate divides and the later bishop chooses. If there is only one place, it is to belong to the one to whose see it is found nearer; but if it is equally near both sees, let it be assigned to the one whom the multitude chooses. If the old Catholics desire their own bishop and those converted from the party of Donatus desire their own, let the judgment of the greater number be preferred to that of the smaller. If the parties are equal, let it be assigned to the bishop older in the episcopate. If there are so many places in which both parties exist that they cannot be divided equally because their number is uneven, first let equal numbers be divided, and concerning the remaining place let the rule stated above for a single place be observed.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if anyone after the laws converts some place to Catholic unity and holds it for three years without anyone seeking it, thereafter it is not to be sought from him, provided that during those three years there was a bishop who ought to have sought it and remained silent. But if there was no bishop, no prescription is to run in the register; rather, when the vacant place receives a bishop, he is permitted from that very day to seek it within three years. Likewise, if a bishop from the party of Donatus returns to the Catholic Church, no prescription of the established period is to run against him in the register; rather, from the day on which he returned he has authority within three years to seek the places belonging to his own see.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whatever bishops seek peoples whom they think belong to their see are not to do so by going against the judgment of other bishops and entering upon peoples held by another, whether those peoples are willing or unwilling; otherwise they shall suffer the loss of their own case. Whoever has done this, if the meeting between the bishops has not yet concluded the matter and they are still disputing concerning it, let the one be removed from there who is shown to have bypassed the ecclesiastical judges and made an incursion. No one is to flatter himself because he has received letters from the primate concerning possession; whether he has letters or does not have them, let him meet with the one who is in possession and receive letters from him, so that he may be shown peacefully to have taken possession of the Church belonging to him. But if the other person raises some counter-question, let that also be concluded by bishops judging between them, either those whom the primate assigns to them or neighboring bishops whom they choose by common consent.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that whoever neglects places belonging to his own see instead of winning them to Catholic unity is to be admonished by neighboring diligent bishops not to delay doing this. If within a period of six months from the day of the meeting concerning this matter he accomplishes nothing, those places are thereafter to be assigned to the one who is able to win them. Yet if the one to whom such places are shown to belong has deliberately appeared to neglect them for some economy because the heretics themselves chose this, so that he might receive them without disturbance, and meanwhile his care was anticipated by another whose intervention, if employed earlier, would have made those same heretics more hostile, then, after this has been discerned between bishops judging the matter, the places are to be restored to his see. If the judging bishops are from different provinces, the primate in whose territory the disputed place lies is to provide the judges. But if by common consent they choose neighboring judges, either one or three are to be chosen; and if they choose three, they are to follow either the judgment of all or that of two.

Direct English translation

No appeal is permitted from judges chosen by common consent. Whoever is shown through obstinacy to be unwilling to obey the judges, when the bishop of the first see learns of it he is to issue letters so that none of the bishops communicate with that person until he obeys.

Direct English translation

If a bishop is negligent in the registered districts, that is, in the sees, with regard to heretics, he is to be reminded by neighboring diligent bishops and his own neglect is to be pointed out to him so that he has no excuse. If, within six months from the day on which he is reminded, while residing in the same province, he does not take care for those who ought to be turned to Catholic unity, no communion is to be had with such a person until he fulfills this. But if the official charged with the matter does not come to those places, blame is not to be assigned to the bishop.

Direct English translation

If such a person is proved to have lied concerning their communion by saying that those persons have entered communion whom it is shown, with his knowledge, not to have entered communion, he shall also lose the episcopate.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that presbyters, deacons, and the remaining lower clerics, in whatever cases they have, if they complain concerning the judgment of their own bishops, are to be heard by neighboring bishops; and those bishops whom they request, with the consent of their own bishops, are to conclude the matters between them. If they wish to appeal even from these, they are to appeal only to the Synods of Africa or to the primates of their own provinces. But whoever wishes to appeal across the sea is to be received into communion by no one in Africa.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, whenever a bishop, because the chastity of a virgin is in danger—whether a powerful suitor or a ravisher is suspected, or she perceives herself threatened by some danger of death—at the request of her parents or of those to whose care she belongs, lest she die without the habit, veils a virgin, or has veiled one, before she reaches twenty-five years of age, such a bishop is to suffer no harm from the Synodal determination concerning that number of years.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased the whole Synod that, in order that all the bishops assembled for the Synod not be detained for a long time, three judges be chosen from each province. There were chosen from the Church of Carthage Vincentius, Fortunatianus, and Clarus; from the province of Numidia Alypius, Augustine, and Restitutus; from the province of Byzacena, together with the most holy elder Donatianus the primate, Cresconius, Jucundus, and Aemilianus; from Mauretania Sitifensis, Severianus, Asiaticus, and Donatus; and from the province of Tripolis, Plautius, who according to custom had been sent on the legation. All these, together with the most holy elder Aurelius, are to examine all matters. The whole Synod requested that Aurelius himself sign all the acts already completed and all the letters. And they signed.

Direct English translation

It therefore pleased all that, since the earlier synodal decrees concerning the persons who may be received as accusers of clerics determined who ought to be admitted but did not specify which persons are not to be received, we now determine that one who, after being put out of communion, is still under that excommunication is rightly not to be admitted as an accuser, whether the person wishing to accuse is a cleric or a layman.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that all slaves and a person's own freedmen are not to be admitted as accusers, nor any persons whom the public laws do not admit in accusations of crimes; nor persons stained by marks of infamy, that is, actors and all persons subjected to disgraceful occupations; nor heretics, whether pagans or Jews. Nevertheless, those to whom accusation of this kind is denied are not to be denied permission to bring accusations in their own personal cases.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, whenever many accusations are brought against clerics by accusers, and the first of those charges to be tried cannot be proved, the accusers are not afterward to be admitted concerning the remaining charges.

Direct English translation

Persons whom it has been ordered not to admit as accusers are likewise not to be admitted as witnesses, nor those whom the accuser himself brings from his own household. The testimony of anyone under fourteen years of age is not to be received.

Direct English translation

Likewise it pleased us that, if at any time a bishop says that someone confessed his own offense to him alone and that person denies it, the bishop is not to consider it an insult to himself that his testimony alone is not believed, even if, because of the scandal of his own conscience, he says that he does not wish to communicate with the person who denies it.

Direct English translation

As long as the bishop himself does not communicate with the person whom he has excluded, the other bishops are not to communicate with that bishop; so that the bishop may be all the more careful not to say against anyone something which he is unable to prove before others by evidence.