Letter 9066

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Anatolius, deacon
Date: ~599 AD
Context: Gregory directs Anatolius to favor those who have returned from the Istrian schism to church unity.

Gregory to Anatolius, deacon.

Those who have returned from the Istrian schism [a schism in northern Italy and the Balkans over the Council of Constantinople in 553 — many bishops and communities refused to accept the Fifth Ecumenical Council's condemnation of the Three Chapters] to the church's unity are to be treated with generosity and welcome.

The return of those who have been separated is a cause for rejoicing, not suspicion. They have made a difficult decision and should be supported in it. See that they receive favorable treatment and that their return is made as easy as possible.

Those who are considering returning but have not yet done so should see in the treatment of those who have returned what awaits them. Be generous precisely because it matters for the others.
Gregory

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.