Canonical Epistle (Canons on Penance)

Contents

Canon 6 and the end of canon 5, and canons 14–15, are lost in the scan text used.

1. 1Those who lapsed only after long imprisonment and torture, and have already done penance for some time, are to be readmitted after a further forty days.
2. 2Those who lapsed after imprisonment but without torture are to do penance for a year beyond the time already spent.
3. 3Those who lapsed without imprisonment or torture, out of fear, are to do penance for a longer period, after the pattern of the barren fig tree.
4. 4For those who lapsed and refuse to repent, the curse on the barren fig tree and Isaiah's undying worm and fire are set out.
5. 5Those who evaded sacrifice by trickery (passing the altars, written certificates, or sending pagans in their place) are to do six months of penance.
6. 7Free masters who compelled their Christian slaves to sacrifice in their place are to do penance for three years.
7. 8Those who lapsed but then returned to confess Christ and suffered imprisonment and torture are to be received into full communion, including the Eucharist.
8. 9Those who rushed forward to martyrdom of their own accord are to be in communion, but the canon warns against provoking persecution, citing Christ's withdrawals and the apostles who fled.
9. 10Clergy who gave themselves up, lapsed, and then confessed again are not to resume their ministry, but may be admitted to lay communion.
10. 11The first to rush forward to martyrdom are praised; and the requests of the faithful to pray for those who lapsed after torture, and for their reconciliation, are to be granted.
11. 12Those who paid money to escape persecution are not to be blamed, since they lost money to save their souls.
12. 13Those who fled and left everything are not to be blamed if others were arrested in their place, as the cases of Paul at Ephesus, Peter's escape, and the flight of the infant Jesus show.