# Canons of the Council of Arles (second)

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Concilium Arelatense II*
- Date: date disputed (between ca. 442 and 506) (disputed)
- Source: Hermann Theodor Bruns, ed., Canones apostolorum et conciliorum veterum selecti, vol. 2 (Berlin: Reimer, 1839); text read from the archive.org OCR (Latin text: Bruns (1839), OCR of the archive.org scan)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Editions and translations: Hermann Theodor Bruns, ed., Canones apostolorum et conciliorum veterum selecti, vol. 2 (Berlin: Reimer, 1839); Charles Munier, ed., Concilia Galliae, A. 314 - A. 506, CCSL 148 (Turnhout: Brepols, 1963); Friedrich Maassen, ed., Concilia aevi Merovingici (Hannover: Hahn, 1893)
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/
- Passages: 56

## Canon 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-1
- Source: Bruns 2:130
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: The newly baptized may not be ordained deacon or priest.

### Latin text

Ad diaconatus ac sacerdotii officium neophytum non debere ordinari.

### English translation (Claude)

A neophyte ought not to be ordained to the office of deacon or of priest.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:6: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- The so-called second council of Arles, a collection of canons whose date is disputed (between ca. 442 and 506); many canons repeat those of Orange (441) and Vaison (442). The Latin of the digitization is very poor; clear OCR slips are corrected by logged corrections, leftover heading words at canon openings are removed, and unreadable passages are marked "…".

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 1 (Bruns 2:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-1).

## Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-2
- Source: Bruns 2:130
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A married man may not be ordained priest unless he has first undertaken continence.

### Latin text

Assumi aliquem ad sacerdotium non posse in conjugii vinculo constitutum, nisi fuerit praemissa conversio.

### English translation (Claude)

No one placed in the bond of marriage can be taken up into the priesthood unless conversion has come first.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 22 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Translated as written. "Conversion" (conversio): the resolve of continence. Compare Orange (441), canon 22.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 2 (Bruns 2:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-2).

## Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-3
- Source: Bruns 2:130
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Clerics from deacon upward may not keep women in their homes other than close relatives or a wife living in continence with them.

### Latin text

Si quis clericus a gradu diaconatus in solatio suo mulierem praeter aviam, matrem, sororem, filiam, neptem vel conversam secum uxorem, habere praesumpserit, a communione alienus habeatur Par quoque et mulierem, si se separare noluerit, poena percellat.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric from the rank of deacon upward presumes to have a woman for his help, apart from a grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, niece, or his wife who has converted with him, let him be held a stranger to communion. And let the same penalty strike the woman too, if she will not separate.

### Translation notes

- The list of permitted women is partly garbled in the digitization (the last item read as "conversam secum uxorem", a wife converted to continence with him); translated by that reading.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 3 (Bruns 2:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-3).

## Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-4
- Source: Bruns 2:130
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Clergy may not admit girls or women servants into their private rooms.

### Latin text

Nullus diaconus vel presbyter vel episcopus ad cellarium secretum intromittat puellam vel ingenuam vel ancillam.

### English translation (Claude)

No deacon, presbyter, or bishop is to admit into his private chamber a girl, whether free or a slave.

### Translation notes

- "Private chamber" renders "cellarium secretum" as read from a garbled passage.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 4 (Bruns 2:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-4).

## Canon 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-5
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A bishop may be ordained only with the metropolitan or his letter and three bishops of the province; in a disputed election the metropolitan follows the majority.

### Latin text

Episcopum sine metropolitano vel epistola metropolitani vel tribus comprovincialibus non liceat ordinare: ita ut alii comprovinciales epietolis admoneantur, ut se sua responso consensisse significent. Quod si inter partes aliqua nata fuerit dubitatio, majori numero metropolitanus in electione consentiat.

### English translation (Claude)

It is not permitted to ordain a bishop without the metropolitan, or a letter of the metropolitan, or three bishops of the province; and the other bishops of the province are to be advised by letters, so that they may indicate by their reply that they have consented. But if any doubt arises between parties, let the metropolitan agree with the greater number in the election.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 4 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening are removed. Compare Nicaea, canons 4 and 6.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 5 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-5).

## Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-6
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: One made bishop without the metropolitan's knowledge is no bishop, according to Nicaea.

### Latin text

Illud autem ante omnia clareat, eum qui sine conscientia metropolitani constitutus fuerit episcopus, juxta magnam synodum esse episcopum non debere.

### English translation (Claude)

But let this above all be clear: that one who has been made bishop without the knowledge of the metropolitan ought not, according to the great synod, to be a bishop.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 6 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- "The great synod": Nicaea, canon 6.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 6 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-6).

## Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-7
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Men who castrate themselves may not be ordained.

### Latin text

Hos qui se carnali vitio repugnare nescientes abscidunt, ad clerum pervenire non posse.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who, not knowing how to fight against the vice of the flesh, castrate themselves cannot come to the clergy.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 1 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Compare Nicaea, canon 1.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 7 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-7).

## Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-8
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Whoever receives someone excommunicated by another bishop answers for it before the council.

### Latin text

Si quis excommunicatum alterius sive clericum sive saecularem recipere post interdictum praesumpserit, noverit se reum fraternitatis factum causam in concilio reddituram.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone presumes, after it has been forbidden, to receive a person excommunicated by another, whether a cleric or a layman, let him know that he has become guilty toward the brotherhood and will give account in the council.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 8 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-8).

## Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-9
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Novatians are received only after penance and renouncing their error.

### Latin text

Novatianum in communionem recipi non debere, nisi suscepta poenitentia incredulitatis praeteritum damnet errorem.

### English translation (Claude)

A Novatian ought not to be received into communion unless, having received penance for his unbelief, he condemns his past error.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 9 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-9).

## Canon 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-10
- Source: Bruns 2:133
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those who apostatized willingly in persecution do the penance set by Nicaea, which the bishop may shorten for true repentance.

### Latin text

De his qui in persecuti<me praevaricati sunt, si voluntate fidem negaverint, hoc de iis Nicaena synodus statuit, ut quinque annos inter catechumenos exigant et duos inter discommunicantes, ita ut communionem inter poenitentes non ptaesumant. In potestate tamen vel arbitrio sit episcopi, ut si eos ex animo errorem deflere et agere poenitentiam viderit,
 ad communionem pro ecclesiastica humanitate suscipiat.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who transgressed in persecution, if they denied the faith willingly, the synod of Nicaea decreed this about them: that they spend five years among the catechumens and two among those not admitted to communion, so that they do not presume to communion among the penitents. Yet let it be in the power or judgment of the bishop that, if he sees them bewailing their error and doing penance from the heart, he may receive them into communion out of the church's kindness.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 11 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Nicaea, canons 11–12. A note of the edition's apparatus that leaked into the text is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 10 (Bruns 2:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-10).

## Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-11
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those forced by torture to deny or sacrifice do two years among the catechumens and three among the penitents.

### Latin text

Si qui vero dolore victi et pondere persecutionis negare vel immolare coacti sunt, duobus anni inter catechumenos, triennio inter poenitentes habeantur, a communione suspensi.

### English translation (Claude)

But if any, overcome by pain and the weight of persecution, were forced to deny or to sacrifice, let them be held two years among the catechumens and three among the penitents, suspended from communion.

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening are removed; the canon is read from a garbled passage.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 11 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-11).

## Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-12
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Penitents who die before reconciliation receive communion and have their offering accepted.

### Latin text

De his qui in poenitentia positi vita excesserint, placuit nullum communione vacuum debere dimitti; sed pro eo quod honoravit poenitentiam, oblatio illius suscipiatur.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who have departed this life while placed in penance, it was decided that no one ought to be sent away empty of communion; but because he honoured penance, let his offering be received.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Vas. I 2 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): allusion, medium confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 12 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-12).

## Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-13
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: No cleric may leave his own church; an ordination conferred on him elsewhere against his bishop's will is void.

### Latin text

Nullus cujuscumque ordinis clericus, non diaconus, non presbyter, non episcopus, quacumque occasione faciente propriam relinquat ecclesiam, sed omnimodis aut excommunicetur aut redire cogatur. Quod si aliquo commorationis tempore invito episcopo suo in aliena ecclesia habitans, ab episcopo loci clericus fuerit ordinatus, hujusmodi ordinatio irrita habeatur.

### English translation (Claude)

No cleric of any order, not a deacon, not a presbyter, not a bishop, is to leave his own church for any reason whatever; but by all means let him either be excommunicated or be compelled to return. And if, during some time of residence, living in another church against his bishop's will, the cleric has been ordained by the bishop of the place, let such an ordination be held void.

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening ("let the ordination be void") are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 13 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-13).

## Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-14
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Clerics who lend at interest, farm others' property, or trade for gain are deposed and excommunicated.

### Latin text

Si quis clericus pecuniam dederit ad usuram, aut conductor alienae rei voluerit esse, aut turpis lucri gratia genus aliquod negotiationis exercuerit, depositus a clero a communione alienus fiat.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric lends money at interest, or wishes to be a tenant of another's property, or engages in any kind of trade for the sake of shameful gain, let him be deposed from the clergy and become a stranger to communion.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:8: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 14 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-14).

## Canon 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-15
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A deacon may not sit with presbyters or give the Eucharist in a presbyter's presence.

### Latin text

In secretario diacono inter presbyteros sedere non liceat; vel corpus Christi praesente presbytero tradere non praesumat. Quod si fecerit, ab officio diaconatus abscedat.

### English translation (Claude)

In the sacristy a deacon may not sit among the presbyters; nor may he presume to give the body of Christ when a presbyter is present. If he does so, let him withdraw from the office of deacon.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 18 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Compare Nicaea, canon 18.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 15 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-15).

## Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-16
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Photinians and followers of Paul of Samosata are to be baptized on joining the church.

### Latin text

Photinianos sive Paulianistas secundum patrum statuta baptizari oportere.

### English translation (Claude)

Photinians or Paulianists, according to the statutes of the fathers, must be baptized.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 19 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Nicaea, canon 19, on the Paulianists.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 16 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-16).

## Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-17
- Source: Bruns 2:135
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Bonosians, baptized in the Trinity like the Arians, are received with chrism and the laying on of hands.

### Latin text

Bonosiacos autem ex eodem errore venientes, quos sicut Arianos baptizari in trinitate manifestum est, si interrogati fidem nostram ex toto corde confessi fuerint, cum chrismate et manus impositione in ecclesia recipi sufficit.

### English translation (Claude)

But the Bonosians, coming from the same error, who, like the Arians, are clearly baptized in the Trinity, if on being questioned they confess our faith with their whole heart, it is enough that they be received in the church with chrism and the laying on of hands.

### Translation notes

- The Bonosians followed Bonosus of Naissus, who denied the perpetual virginity of Mary.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 17 (Bruns 2:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-17).

## Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-18
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Synods are to meet at the call of the bishop of Arles; a bishop prevented by illness sends a deputy.

### Latin text

Ad Arelatensis episcopi arbitrium synodus congreganda, ad quam urbem ex omnibus mundi partibus, praecipue Gallicanis, sub sancti Marini tempore legimus celebratum Mmm concilium atque conventum. Si quis commonitus infirmitatis causa defuerit, personam vice sua dirigat.

### English translation (Claude)

A synod is to be gathered at the discretion of the bishop of Arles, in which city we read that, in the time of holy Marinus, … a council and assembly was held from all parts of the world, especially from Gaul. If anyone who has been summoned is absent because of illness, let him send a person in his place.

### Translation notes

- "In the time of holy Marinus": the council of Arles (314) under Marinus of Arles. One word is unreadable in the digitization.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 18 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-18).

## Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-19
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A bishop who fails to attend or leaves a council early is excluded from communion until the next synod.

### Latin text

Si quis autem adesse neglexerit, aut coetum fratrum antequam concilium dissolvatur crediderit deserendum, alienatum se a fratrum communione cognoscat, nec eum recipi liceat, nisi in sequenti synodo fuerit absolutus.

### English translation (Claude)

But if anyone neglects to be present, or thinks he may leave the assembly of the brothers before the council is dissolved, let him know that he is estranged from the communion of the brothers, and he may not be received unless he has been absolved at the next synod.

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening ("[whoever] has left the council without permission") are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 19 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-19).

## Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-20
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Baptized charioteers and actors are excommunicated while they continue in their trade.

### Latin text

De agitatoribus sive theatricis qui fideles sunt, placuit eos quamdiu agunt a communione separari

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning charioteers or actors who are faithful, it was decided that they be separated from communion as long as they practise.

### Translation notes

- Compare Arles (314), canons 4–5.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 20 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-20).

## Canon 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-21
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A penitent widow who remarries or lives in suspect familiarity with a man is excluded from the church with him; the same applies to a male penitent.

### Latin text

Poenitens quaecumque defuncto viro alii nubere praesumpserit, vel suspecta vel interdicta familiaritate cum extraneo vixerit, cum eodem ab ecclesiae liminibus arceatur. Hoc etiam de viro in poenitentia posito placuit observari.

### English translation (Claude)

Any woman penitent who, after her husband's death, presumes to marry another, or lives in suspect or forbidden familiarity with a stranger, is to be kept from the thresholds of the church together with him. It was decided that this be observed also of a man placed in penance.

### Translation notes

- Translated as written. Public penance carried a lifelong bar on marriage; the canon applies it to penitents whose spouse has died.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 21 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-21).

## Canon 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-22
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A married person may enter public penance only with the spouse's consent.

### Latin text

Poenitentiam conjugalis non nisi ex consensu dandam.

### English translation (Claude)

Penance is not to be given to a married person except with the consent of the spouse.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 7:5: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Public penance required continence; hence the spouse's consent. Compare 1 Cor 7:5.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 22 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-22).

## Canon 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-23
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A bishop who tolerates pagan cults at trees, springs, or stones in his territory is guilty of sacrilege; the landowner who will not stop them is excommunicated.

### Latin text

Si in alicujus episcopi territorio infideles aut faculas accendant aut arbores
 fontes vel saxa venerantur si hoc eruere neglexerit, sacrilegii reum se esse cognoscat. Dominus aut ordinator rei ipsius, si admonitus emendare noluerit, communione privetur.

### English translation (Claude)

If in the territory of any bishop unbelievers either light torches or venerate trees, springs, or stones, if he neglects to root this out, let him know that he is guilty of sacrilege. The lord or manager of the property itself, if he will not correct it when warned, is to be deprived of communion.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 23 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-23).

## Canon 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-24
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those convicted (of the offence named in the lost heading) are excluded from communion until death, unless they do worthy penance.

### Latin text

victi fuerint, placuit usque ad exitum non communicare, sicut magna synodus ante constituit; nisi digna satisfactione poenituerint.

### English translation (Claude)

[Those who] have been convicted, it was decided, are not to communicate until death, as the great synod decreed before, unless they have done penance with worthy satisfaction.

### Translation notes

- The opening of the canon, with the offence it concerns, is lost; the staged text begins in the middle ("victi fuerint"). "The great synod" here is probably the council of Arles (314), canon 14 (false accusers), rather than Nicaea; the identification is uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 24 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-24).

## Canon 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-25
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those who abandon the religious life without penance are excluded from communion and from the clergy; a penitent may not return to secular dress.

### Latin text

Hi qui post sanctam religionis professionem apostatant et ad saecul redeunt, et postmodum poenitentiae remedia non requirunt, sine poenitentia communionem penitus non accipiant: quos etiam jubem ad clericatus officium non admitti; et quicumque ille post poenitentiam habitum saecularem non praesumat; quod si praesumpserit, ab ecclesia alienus habeatur.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who, after the holy profession of religion, apostatize and return to the world, and afterwards do not seek the remedies of penance, are by no means to receive communion without penance; and we order that they also not be admitted to the office of the clergy; and whoever it may be, after penance, let him not presume to take up secular dress; and if he presumes, let him be held a stranger to the church.

### Translation notes

- Several clauses are read from garbled text; translated by sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 25 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-25).

## Canon 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-26
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 1.

### Latin text

(Vide Conc. Arausic. c. 1.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 1.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 1 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference ("see the council of Orange, canon 1").

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 26 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-26).

## Canon 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-27
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats the opening of Orange (441), canon 2.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 2. init.: Nullum ministrum — semel chrismari.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 2, opening: "None of the ministers … chrismated once."]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 2 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference to the opening words of Orange, canon 2; a leftover heading word ("non procedat") is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 27 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-27).

## Canon 28

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-28
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Penitents who recover after receiving the viaticum return to the order of penitents (the end of Orange, canon 3).

### Latin text

Quod si accepto hoc viatico supervixerint stent in ordine poenitentium ut ostensis necessariis poenitentiae fructibus, legitime reconciliatoriam manus impositionem recipiant.

### English translation (Claude)

But if, having received this viaticum, they survive, let them stand in the order of penitents, so that, having shown the necessary fruits of penance, they may lawfully receive the reconciling laying on of hands.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 3 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints only the end of this canon, which repeats the end of Orange (441), canon 3.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 28 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-28).

## Canon 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-29
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 4.

### Latin text

(Conc. Arausic. c. 4.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 4.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 4 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 29 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-29).

## Canon 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-30
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Fugitives in a church are not handed over but persuaded to leave under a promise of pardon; masters who then punish them are excommunicated.

### Latin text

Eos qui ad ecclesiam confugerint tradi non oportet: sed eos domini sui promissa intercessione exire persuadeant, Quod si ab ecclesia exeuntibus poenale aliquid ihtulerint, ut ecclesiae inimici habeantur excommunes.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who have taken refuge in a church ought not to be handed over; but let them persuade them to come out on their master's promise of pardon at their intercession. And if the masters inflict any punishment on them when they come out of the church, let them be held enemies of the church and excommunicated.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 5 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- An expanded form of Orange (441), canon 5.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 30 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-30).

## Canon 31

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-31
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Clerics may not take church causes or disputes among clergy to secular courts.

### Latin text

Si quis clericorum religionis negotia vel spirituales causas ecclesiae ad saecularia patrocinia, relicta synodo, transire praesumpserit, excommunicatione omnium ac detestatione dignus habeatur. Simili modo si causa inter clericos orta fuerit, ne invito episcopo ad saeculares judices deferatur, sed episcoporum judicio terminetur.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric presumes to take the affairs of religion or the spiritual causes of the church to secular patronage, leaving the synod, let him be held worthy of excommunication and abhorrence by all. Likewise, if a case arises between clerics, let it not be brought before secular judges against the bishop's will, but be settled by the judgment of bishops.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 6:1: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening ("let them be settled by the judgment of bishops") are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 31 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-31).

## Canon 32

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-32
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 6.

### Latin text

(Ibid c. 6.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 6.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 6 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference; a leftover heading phrase ("has seized the slaves of clerics") is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 32 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-32).

## Canon 33

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-33
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those freed by will may not be reduced again to servitude (as Orange, canon 7).

### Latin text

Si quis per testamentum manumissum in servitutem vel obsequium vel in colonaria conditione imprimere tentaverit, animadversione ecclesiastica coerceatur.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone tries to force one freed by will into slavery, or into service, or into the condition of a tenant farmer, let him be restrained by church discipline.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 7 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Repeats Orange (441), canon 7, in part.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 33 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-33).

## Canon 34

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-34
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A master may not revoke a manumission performed in church on grounds of ingratitude unless he proves it before the municipal authorities.

### Latin text

Si quis in ecclesia manumissum crediderit ingrati titulo revocandum, non aliter liceat
 nisi eum gestis apud acta municipum reum esse ante probaverit.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone thinks that one freed in church should be recalled on the ground of ingratitude, it is not to be allowed unless he has first proved him guilty in proceedings before the municipal records.

### Translation notes

- A leftover heading word at the opening is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 34 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-34).

## Canon 35

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-35
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 8.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 8.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 8.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 8 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 35 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-35).

## Canon 36

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-36
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange, canon 10, adding that gifts of the founding bishop to the church may not be taken away by the local bishop.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 10. init.: Si quis episcopus — pertinebit; et si quid ipsi ecclesiae fuerit ab episcopo conditore collatum, is in cujus territorio est, auferendi exinde aliquid non habeat potestatem. Hoc solum aedificatori episcopo credidimus reservandum.

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 10, from the beginning to "shall belong";] and if anything has been given to that church by the founding bishop, the one in whose territory it is has no power to take anything away from it. This alone we have thought should be reserved to the founding bishop.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 10 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints the first part only as a cross-reference to Orange (441), canon 10.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 36 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-36).

## Canon 37

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-37
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats the end of Orange, canon 10, on lay founders who invite another bishop.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 10. fin.: Quod si etiam quicumque ecclesiam aedificaverit — conventu abstinebunt: si ordinem excesserit, in reatu revocabitur.

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as the end of Orange (441), canon 10: "And if any layman builds a church … shall abstain from the assembly";] if he oversteps the order, he will be called to account.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 10 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints the first part only as a cross-reference; the last clause is read from garbled text.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 37 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-37).

## Canon 38

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-38
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: One who suddenly loses speech may be baptized; the insane receive what piety allows (Orange, canons 12–13).

### Latin text

Subito obmutescens baptizari potest et amentibus quaecumque pietatis sunt conferenda.

### English translation (Claude)

One who suddenly becomes speechless can be baptized; and to the insane, whatever belongs to piety is to be granted.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 12 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence
- Conc. Araus. I 13 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Combines Orange (441), canons 12 and 13, in shortened form.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 38 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-38).

## Canon 39

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-39
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 14.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 14.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 14.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 14 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 39 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-39).

## Canon 40

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-40
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 15.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 15.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 15.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 15 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 40 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-40).

## Canon 41

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-41
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 16.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 16.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 16.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 16 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints this canon only as a cross-reference.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 41 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-41).

## Canon 42

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-42
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: If two bishops ordain a bishop without the metropolitan's letter, he is deposed with them.

### Latin text

In provinciis nostris placuit de praesumptoribus, ut sicubi duo episcopi ausi fuerint episcopum facere etiamsi metropolitani episcopi epistolam non habuerint
 et is qui ordinatus est cum ordinatoribus excludatur.

### English translation (Claude)

It was decided in our provinces concerning presumptuous persons that, if anywhere two bishops dare to make a bishop, even if they did not have the letter of the metropolitan bishop, the one ordained too is to be excluded together with the ordainers.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 21 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- A stricter form of Orange (441), canon 21. A leftover heading word at the opening is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 42 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-42).

## Canon 43

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-43
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 22, on married deacons.

### Latin text

Placuit praeterea, ut secundum synodi instituta non ordinentur etc. (Ibid. c. 22.)

### English translation (Claude)

It was decided moreover that, according to the institutions of the synod, [married men] are not to be ordained [deacons] … [Same as Orange (441), canon 22.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 22 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints only the opening words and a cross-reference to Orange, canon 22.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 43 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-43).

## Canon 44

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-44
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Repeats Orange (441), canon 23, on deacons who are incontinent with their wives.

### Latin text

(Ibid. c. 23.)

### English translation (Claude)

[Same as Orange (441), canon 23.]

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 23 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Bruns prints only the last word of the canon ("is found incontinent") and a cross-reference, misprinted in the digitization as canon 3; Orange, canon 23, is meant. The leftover word is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 44 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-44).

## Canon 45

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-45
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Men married to a widow or married twice may not be ordained above subdeacon, and are removed if ordained.

### Latin text

De his quos clericatui alligari ipsa vitae gratia suggesserit, si forte internupta et duplicata matrimonia inciderunt; non ultra subdiaconatum ecclesiasticas capiant dignitates; quod si facti forsitan sunt, ab ecclesiastico removeantur officio.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those whom the very grace of their life suggests should be bound to the clergy, if perhaps they have fallen into marriages to a woman not a virgin, or into second marriages, they are not to receive ecclesiastical dignities beyond the subdiaconate; and if perhaps they have been made such, let them be removed from ecclesiastical office.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:2: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 25 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- A fuller form of Orange (441), canon 25. "Internupta et duplicata matrimonia": marriage to a woman previously married, and a second marriage. Translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 45 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-45).

## Canon 46

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-46
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Vowed widows who consent to their abduction are condemned with the abductors.

### Latin text

Professas viduas, si conniventiam praestiterint, cum raptoribus esse damnandas.

### English translation (Claude)

Professed widows, if they have connived, are to be condemned together with their abductors.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Araus. I 27 (Canons of the Council of Orange (441)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Compare Orange (441), canon 27.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 46 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-46).

## Canon 47

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-47
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Whoever withholds bequests to the church is excluded from it, as at Vaison.

### Latin text

Secundum constitutionem synodi Vasensis, quicumque oblationem fidelium suppresserit aut negaverit, ab ecclesia cui fraudem fecerit excludatur.

### English translation (Claude)

According to the constitution of the synod of Vaison, whoever withholds or denies the offering of the faithful is to be excluded from the church which he has defrauded.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Vas. I 4 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Vaison (442), canon 4.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 47 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-47).

## Canon 48

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-48
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: One who rejects his bishop's sentence is heard by the synod (Vaison, canon 5).

### Latin text

Si quis episcopi sui sententiae non acquiescit, synodi legibus audiendum.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone does not accept the sentence of his bishop, he is to be heard by the laws of the synod.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Vas. I 5 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): quotation, high confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 48 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-48).

## Canon 49

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-49
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: One excommunicated by his bishop is to be shunned by clergy and people alike until he repents.

### Latin text

Secundum instituta seniorum, hic qui a communione sacerdotali fuerit auctoritate suspensus, hunc non sol a clericorum sed etiam a totius populi colloquio atque convivio placuit excludi; donec resipiscens ad sanitatem redire festinet

### English translation (Claude)

According to the institutions of the elders, it was decided that one who has been suspended from communion by priestly authority is to be excluded not only from the conversation of the clergy but also from that of the whole people, and from their table, until, coming to his senses, he hastens to return to health.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 5:11: allusion, medium confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Vas. I 6 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Leftover heading words at the opening ("suspended") are removed. Compare Vaison (442), canon 6.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 49 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-49).

## Canon 50

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-50
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Those in open enmity with each other are excluded from church assemblies until reconciled.

### Latin text

Hi qui publicis inter se odiis dissident, ab ecclesiasticis conventibus removendi donec ad pacem recurrant

### English translation (Claude)

Those who are at odds with one another in public hatreds are to be kept from the church's assemblies until they return to peace.

### Scripture references

- Matt 5:24: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 50 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-50).

## Canon 51

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-51
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Whoever takes in an exposed infant posts a notice; if unclaimed in ten days the finder keeps it, and later claimants are punished as murderers.

### Latin text

Si expositus ante ecclesiam cujuscumque fuerit miseratione collectus, contestationis ponat epistolam; et si is qui collectus est intra decem dies quaesitus agnitusque non fuerit, securus habeat qui collegit Sane qui post praedictum tempus calumniator extiterit, ut homicida ecclesiastica districtione damnabitur, sicut patrum sanxit auctoritas.

### English translation (Claude)

If an infant exposed before the church of anyone has been taken up out of compassion, let the one who took it up put out a letter of attestation; and if the one taken up has not been sought and recognized within ten days, let the one who took it up keep it securely. But whoever comes forward as a slanderer after the said time will be condemned by church discipline as a murderer, as the authority of the fathers has decreed.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Vas. I 9 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): allusion, high confidence
- Conc. Vas. I 10 (Canons of the Council of Vaison (442)): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- A form of Vaison (442), canons 9–10.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 51 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-51).

## Canon 52

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-52
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Consecrated virgins over twenty-five who marry are excommunicated with their husbands; they may do penance, but reconciliation is long delayed.

### Latin text

De puellis quae se voverunt deo et praeclari decore nominis floruerunt, si post viginti et quinque annos aetatis ad terrenas nuptias sponte transierint, id custodiendum esse decrevimus, ut cum his cum quibus se alligaverint communione priventur, ita ut iis postulantibus poenitentia non negetur; cujus poenitentiae communio multo tempore differatur.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning girls who have vowed themselves to God and have flourished in the glory of a distinguished name, if after twenty-five years of age they pass of their own will to earthly marriage, we have decreed that this be kept: that they be deprived of communion together with those to whom they have bound themselves; yet if they ask for it, penance is not to be denied them; but the communion of that penance is to be put off for a long time.

### Translation notes

- Translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 52 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-52).

## Canon 53

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-53
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: A slave who wounds or kills himself to bring odium on his master alone bears the guilt.

### Latin text

Si quis famulorum cujuslibet conditionis aut generis quasi ad exacerbandam domini districtionem se diabolico repletus furore percusserit, ipse tantum sanguinis sui reus erit, neque ad dominum sceleris alieni pertinebit invidia.

### English translation (Claude)

If any servant of whatever condition or kind, as if to provoke his master's severity, strikes himself, filled with diabolical fury, he alone will be guilty of his own blood, and the odium of another's crime will not attach to the master.

### Translation notes

- "Strikes himself … with fury" is read from garbled text ("fuifM peiMsserit"); translated by sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 53 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-53).

## Canon 54

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-54
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: For a bishop's election the bishops nominate three candidates, and the clergy and citizens choose one.

### Latin text

Placuit in ordinatione episcopi hunc ordinem custodiri, ut primo loco venalitate vel ambitione submota tres ab episcopis nominentur, de quibus clerici vel cives erga unum eligendi habeant potestatem.

### English translation (Claude)

It was decided that in the ordination of a bishop this order be kept: that first, venality or ambition being removed, three be nominated by the bishops, of whom the clergy or citizens have the power to choose one.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 54 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-54).

## Canon 55

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-55
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: The canon breaks off after its opening words.

### Latin text

Si quis saecularium amore religionis se ad quemcumque

### English translation (Claude)

If any of the laity, out of love of religion, [betakes] himself to any …

### Translation notes

- Only the opening words of the canon are in the staged text; the rest is lost in the digitization.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 55 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-55).

## Canon 56

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-56
- Source: Bruns 2:136
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-17

Summary: Metropolitans may claim nothing for themselves against the decrees of Nicaea.

### Latin text

Hoc etiam placuit custodiri, ut nihil contra magnam synodum metropolitani sibi aestiment vindicandum.

### English translation (Claude)

This too it was decided should be kept: that the metropolitans should not think they may claim anything for themselves contrary to the great synod.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Nic. 6 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- A leftover word at the opening ("praesumant") is removed. "The great synod": Nicaea.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Arel. II 56 (Bruns 2:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-arles-ii/1/#p-56).