A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

325that they should profess in writing that they will observe andfollow the teachings of the Catholic and Apostolic Church; thatis, that they will communicate with those who have been twice [296]married and with those who have lapsed during the persecution,and upon whom a period of penance has been laid and a timefor restoration fixed; so that in all things they will follow theteachings of the Catholic Church. Wheresoever, then, whether invillages or in cities, only these are found who have been ordained,let them remain as found among the clergy and in the same rank.But if any come over where there is a bishop or presbyter of theCatholic Church, it is manifest that the bishop of the Church musthave the dignity of a bishop, and he who was named bishop bythose who are called Cathari shall have the honor of a presbyter,unless it seem fit to the bishop to share with him the honor ofthe title. But if this should not seem good to him, then shall thebishop provide for him a place as chorepiscopus, or as presbyter,in order that he may be evidently seen to be of the clergy, andthat in one city there may not be two bishops.(c) Codex Theodosianus, XVI, 5, 2; A. D. 326.With the generous treatment of the Novatians by the Councilof Nicæa should be compared the mild and generous treatmentof Constantine, who distinguished them from other heretics.We have not learned that the Novatians have been so condemnedthat we believe that to them should not be granted what theyclaim. Therefore we prescribe as to the buildings of their churchesand places suitable for burial that they are to possess, withoutany molestation, those buildings and lands, namely, which onground of long possession or from purchase or claim for anysound reason they may have. It will be well looked out forthat they attempt to claim nothing for themselves of those things