Letter 86

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: The Church at Milan Date: ~388 AD Context: A doctrinal letter further developing the theology of penance, responding to Novatianist objections and setting out the scriptural basis for the Church's authority to reconcile sinners. Ambrose to the faithful. I return to the subject of penance because the Novatianists return to their attacks. They say the Church is too lenient; I say they are too cruel. Between us lies the truth of the gospel. Christ gave the keys to Peter: "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). Those keys open and close. The power to bind is the power to impose penance; the power to loose is the power to forgive. Both belong to the Church, and the Church exercises both. The Novatianist says: "Only God can forgive sins." True — and God has chosen to forgive through his Church. When the priest pronounces absolution, it is not the priest who forgives; it is God, working through the instrument he has appointed. The priest is the channel, not the source. "But what about serious sins — murder, apostasy, adultery?" the Novatianist asks. "Surely these are beyond the Church's power to forgive?" I answer: they are beyond the Church's power to commit, but they are not beyond God's power to forgive. And since God's power is exercised through the Church, the Church can forgive what God forgives — and God forgives everything that is sincerely repented. This does not make penance easy. The ancient discipline of public penance [in the early Church, those guilty of serious sin underwent a formal process of public confession, exclusion from communion, and gradual restoration] was rigorous, demanding, and public. It cost the penitent his dignity, his comfort, and often his social standing. No one underwent it lightly. But the door was open. It is always open. And as long as I am bishop of Milan, it will remain open to every sinner who comes seeking not excuses but mercy. Farewell.

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