Sardica, Canon 14: A Hearing for Clergy Cast Out in Anger

Canon 14, the Greek text. Bishop Hosius said: “I must not fail to speak of a matter that constantly presses on me. If a bishop is found to be quick to anger, which ought not to rule such a man, and, suddenly stirred up against a presbyter or deacon, he means to cast him out of the church, provision must be made that such a man is not condemned too hastily and deprived of communion.” [a] All said: “Let the one who is cast out be permitted to take refuge with the bishop of the metropolis of the same province. And if the bishop of the metropolis is away, let him hurry to the nearest bishop and ask to have his case carefully examined. For a hearing ought not to be denied to those who ask for it. [b] “And the bishop who cast such a man out, whether justly or unjustly, ought not to take it badly that the case is examined and his decision confirmed or corrected. But until every detail has been examined with care and faithfulness, the one shut out of communion ought not to demand communion before his case is decided. “And if any of the clergy who have met to hear the case clearly see arrogance and pretension in him, then, since it is not fitting to put up with insolence or unjust blame, they ought to correct such a man with rather harsh and severe language, so that people may submit to and obey commands that are proper and right. For just as the bishop ought to show sincere love and regard to those under him, so those who are subject to him ought likewise to carry out the duties of their ministry toward their bishops sincerely.”

The Latin text. Bishop Hosius said: “I must not fail to speak of a matter that moves me further. If some bishop happens to be quick to anger, which ought not to be so, and, stirred up hastily and violently against one of his presbyters or deacons, he means to cast him out of the church, provision must be made that an innocent man is not condemned or deprived of communion. “So let the one who is cast out be permitted to appeal to the neighboring bishops, and let his case be heard and examined more carefully. For a hearing ought not to be denied to one who asks for it. “And let the bishop who cast him out, whether justly or unjustly, bear it patiently that the matter is discussed, so that his sentence may either be approved by a number of judges or else corrected. Yet until every detail has been examined with care and faithfulness, no one else ought to presume to admit to communion the man who was shut out of it before his case is decided. “If, however, those who meet to hear the case notice arrogance and pride in such clergy, then, since it is surely not fitting for a bishop to suffer wrong or insult, let them correct them with some severity of language, so that they may obey a bishop whose commands are proper and right. For as the bishop ought to show sincere love and kindness to his clergy, so his ministers for their part ought to give their bishop sincere obedience.”