To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna, on the Case of the Abbot Claudius

Gregory to Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. We have received your fraternity’s letter through the deacon Virgilius. In it you tell us that some of the clergy and people have cried out that it is against the laws and the canons for the case between your church and the abbot Claudius to be examined and decided here. But if they had paid attention to the order of the church, and to the persons between whom the case is pending, they would certainly have kept from needless complaint. This is all the more so because the case could not be pleaded there, where the abbot has complained that he suffered injustice from your predecessor and is suffering it still. The objection might perhaps have been made if he had not appealed to a higher authority and asked to have the rights of his case decided before it. Why, do you not know yourself that the case brought by the presbyter John against John of Constantinople, our brother and fellow bishop, came before the Apostolic See and was decided by our sentence? If, then, a case was brought before us from the very city where the emperor resides, how much more should a matter between you have the truth about it found out and be settled here? But as for you, do not let the words of foolish men there move you, and do not believe that any harm to your church is being caused through us. For if you ask the servant of God Secundinus, your deacon, and Castorius, our notary, you will learn from them how your predecessor had already wished to settle this case. Your fraternity has acted wisely in sending people here for this business and in not listening to empty words. Now we trust in Almighty God that this case may be ended in a way that pleases God, so that no room is left for fresh complaint, and neither party is unjustly wronged. As for the sword that our most beloved son Peter, who was then deacon and defensor in your parts, left for us with your predecessor, please send it to us by the servant of God Secundinus and Castorius the notary, who bring this letter. [a]