To All the Bishops of Childebert’s Kingdom, on the Vicar at Arles

Gregory to all the bishops of Gaul who are under the kingdom of Childebert. [a] The provision of the divine arrangement has appointed that there should be different degrees and distinct orders for this purpose: that while those below show reverence to those above them, and those above show love to those below, one fabric of harmony may be woven out of difference, and the administration of every office may be rightly carried on. Nor indeed could the whole hold together otherwise, unless, that is, a great order of differences of this kind kept it together. Further, that creation cannot be governed, or live, in a state of absolute equality we are taught by the example of the heavenly hosts. For since there are angels and also archangels, it is plain that they are not equal; in power and rank, as you know, one differs from another. If, then, among those who are without sin there is clearly this distinction, what man can refuse to submit himself willingly to this order of things, which he knows that even angels obey? For in this way peace and love embrace each other, and the sincerity of harmony remains firm in the mutual love that is pleasing to God. [b]

Since, then, each single duty is wholesomely fulfilled when there is one head to whom matters can be referred, we have judged it timely, in the churches that are under the rule of our most excellent son, King Childebert, to give our vicariate jurisdiction, according to ancient custom, to our brother Virgilius, bishop of the city of Arles. Our purpose is that the soundness of the catholic faith, that is, of the four holy synods, may be kept under the protection of God with attentive devotion, and that if any dispute should happen to arise among our brothers and fellow priests, he may settle it by the firmness of his authority with wise moderation, as representing the Apostolic See. We have also charged him that, if such a dispute should arise in any cases as to require the presence of others, he should assemble our brothers and fellow bishops in sufficient number, discuss the matter wholesomely with due regard to fairness, and decide it with the integrity the canons require. But if a dispute should happen to arise about matters of faith, which may the divine power prevent, or if any business comes up about which there may perhaps be serious doubt, and he should need the judgment of the Apostolic See rather than his own greatness, we have directed him to inquire diligently into the truth and then take care to bring the question to our notice by a report of his own, so that it may be ended by a fitting sentence that removes all doubt. [c]

And since it is necessary that the bishops should assemble at suitable times for conference before him to whom we have granted our vicariate jurisdiction, as often as he may think fit, we urge that none of you presume to disobey his orders or put off attending the general assembly, unless perhaps bodily illness should prevent someone, or a just excuse should allow his absence in some case. Yet let those who are unavoidably prevented from attending the synod send a presbyter or a deacon in their place. In this way whatever is decided by our vicar, with the help of God, may come to the knowledge of the one who is absent by a faithful report through the person he sent, and be observed with unshaken steadfastness, and there may be no excuse left for daring to violate it. We also take the precaution of warning you about this: that none of you attempt in any way to go off to places at any great distance without the authority of our brother and fellow bishop Virgilius, named above. You know that the orders of our predecessors, who granted vicariate jurisdiction to his predecessors, undoubtedly lay this down.

Furthermore, we urge each of you to give careful attention to his own office, so that he who desires to receive the reward promised for feeding the sheep may guard the flock entrusted to him with care and prayer, lest the prowling wolf break in and tear the sheep committed to him, and there should be punishment instead of reward when the repayment comes. We hope, therefore, most dear brothers, and we beg Almighty God with all our prayers, that he may make you more and more fervent in the constancy of his love, and grant you above all to be kept in the peace of the church and in agreement with one another. [d] It has been reported to us that some are promoted to sacred orders through the heresy of simony. We have ordered our brother and fellow bishop Virgilius, named above, that this must be altogether forbidden; and so that your fraternity may know this and carefully observe it, our letter to him is to be read in your presence. Given on the 12th of August, in the thirteenth indiction. [e]