A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

636 A Source Book for Ancient Church Historypurchase the rule of this holy constitution, we decree that he,who shall have been ordained for money, shall be deposed.Canon 11. Likewise as the ancient canons decree, no oneshall be made bishop of those who are unwilling to receive him,and neither by the force of powerful persons are the citizens andclergy to be induced to give a testimonial of election. 224 Forthis is to be regarded as a crime; that if this should be done,let him, who rather by violence than by legitimate decree hasbeen ordained bishop, be deposed forever from the honor of theepiscopate which he has obtained.(c) Council of Paris, A. D. 557, Canon. Bruns, II, 221.Canon 8. No bishop shall be ordained for people against theirwill, but only he whom the people and clergy in full election shallhave freely chosen; neither by the command of the prince nor byany condition whatever against the will of the metropolitan andthe bishops of the province shall he be forced in. That if anyone with so great rashness presumes by royal appointment 225 toreach the height of this honor, let him not deserve to be receivedas a bishop by the bishops of the province in which the place islocated, for they know that he was ordained improperly. If anyof the fellow bishops of the province presume to receive himagainst this prohibition, let him be separated from all his brethrenand be deprived of the charity of all.(d) Gregory of Tours, Hist. Francorum, IV, 15. (MSL, 71:280.)224 This testimonial, or certificate of election, was to be presented to the kingthat he might give his assent; cf. § 94.225 The kings appear to have attempted to appoint bishops without canonicalelection. This was never recognized by the Church as lawful on the part of theking and was always opposed. See next selection from Gregory of Tours.