To Honoratus, Deacon of Salona, on His Quarrel with His Bishop

Gregory to Honoratus, and so on. [a]

We have read the conflicting letters that you and your bishop have written to us against each other, and we grieve that there is so little love between you. Nevertheless, we direct you to continue in the duties of your office. And if the cause of offense between you can be settled on the spot, through the power of grace, we believe it will be greatly to the good of your souls. But if the discord between you has so armed you against each other that you have no will to calm the swelling of your offense, then come without delay to be heard before us, and let your bishop send us, on his own behalf, whatever person he chooses, supplied with instructions. Then, after weighing the whole case in detail, we may settle what seems right between the parties. [b]

But we want you to know that we will make strict inquiry of you on every point, as to whether the treasures, both those of your own church and those collected from various churches, are now being kept with all care and faithfulness. For if any of them is found to have been lost through negligence or through anyone’s dishonesty, you will share the guilt of it, since by virtue of your office as archdeacon you are especially responsible for the keeping of that church.