To Natalis, Bishop of Salona, on the Archdeacon Honoratus

Gregory to Natalis, and so on. [a]

The acts of your synod, which you have sent us, in which the archdeacon Honoratus is condemned, we find full of the seed of quarrels. For the same man is at one and the same time raised to the dignity of the priesthood against his will, and removed from the office of deacon as though unworthy of it. And just as it is right that no one who is unwilling should be promoted by force, so I think we must hold that no one who is innocent should be unjustly removed from the ministry of his order. Nevertheless, since discord, which God hates, excuses your part in the affair, we urge you to restore to the archdeacon Honoratus his place and his duties, and to agree to give him attendants enough for his divine ministry. If cause of offense is still being stirred up between you, let the archdeacon we have named submit himself to a hearing and inquiry before us when he is told to do so. And let your love send us someone well informed on the case, so that in the presence of both, with the Lord’s help, we may decide what justice approves, without favoring either person. [b]