Letter 7

From: Council of Clermont (synodal letter) To: Frankish church Date: ~535 AD Context: A mid-sixth-century Frankish council addressing the ongoing challenges of church organization in a kingdom now thoroughly Merovingian. The holy synod at Clermont to all the churches of the Frankish kingdom. In the name of Christ, we address several matters that have been brought to our attention and that require canonical resolution. On the election of bishops: the ancient rule stands that bishops shall be elected by the clergy and people of their city, with the confirmation of the provincial metropolitan. We have become aware of cases in which kings or powerful nobles have appointed bishops without the involvement of the local clergy and people, or have kept sees vacant for extended periods to prevent the election of candidates they do not prefer. Both practices are condemned. A see may not be left vacant for more than three months without legitimate cause. On the treatment of clergy: laymen who strike priests or deacons shall be subject to ecclesiastical censure, in addition to whatever civil penalties may apply. The dignity of the clerical order must be protected. On the maintenance of the poor: every bishop is required to maintain some provision for the poor of his diocese — a hospice, regular distributions, something organized and reliable. The care of the poor is not an optional charity; it is an obligation of the episcopal office. On synods: the provincial bishops shall meet twice yearly. We are aware that current conditions make this difficult in some regions. Nevertheless, the meeting of bishops is essential to the church's governance, and we urge that it be maintained as consistently as possible. Given at Clermont. The assembled bishops of the Frankish church.