Letter 14

From: [Frankish bishop] To: Rome Date: ~550 AD Context: A Frankish bishop writes to Rome about liturgical practice — specifically about differences between Gallican and Roman rites that cause confusion in a diocese with mixed populations. A bishop of the Franks to the holy see. I write on a matter of liturgy that has become practically urgent, and I want Rome's guidance before making a decision that might later need to be reversed. The diocese under my care has a mixed population: old Gallo-Roman families who have used the Gallican rite for generations, and more recently settled Frankish families whose liturgical expectations come from whatever practices were followed in their communities of origin. The two groups worship in the same churches but are accustomed to somewhat different forms of the liturgy. The problem: as the distinction between Gallo-Roman and Frankish populations becomes less sharp, both groups are becoming confused about what is normative. Young people who have grown up attending both forms are uncertain which represents the authentic tradition. My instinct is to move toward a unified practice, and my instinct about which practice to move toward is the Roman — not because Gallican practice is inferior, but because Rome provides a stable reference point that is independent of local politics. If the liturgical norm comes from Rome, no local faction can claim it as their own. Is this the right approach? And if so, is there a process Rome recommends for the transition? Your servant in Christ.