I. Regarding the ordination of priests according to the statutes of the canons.

II. That no payment should be received for a bishopric.

III. Concerning the celebration of a council each year.

To all the beloved brothers, the bishops throughout Spain, from Hormisdas.

Blessed is the Trinity, our God, who, through His mercy, has spread the peace of the Roman Republic throughout all parts, and has granted us the way to demonstrate mutual love toward each other. As we stand firm in the unity of faith, we may also be joined in the joyful bond of communication, so that, as we reach you through the ministry of letters, we may inspire your hearts to a devout worship through apostolic admonitions, and while offering the pledge of our love like a debt, we demonstrate our full affection toward God.

Therefore, let us, most beloved brothers, join together in continuous and humble prayers, and let us beseech our Lord with the tears of our lips and hearts through constant supplication. Let us cling to Him in instruction and work, to whom we desire to belong as members, and never stray from that path, which is Christ, by wandering into a false way, lest we be justly abandoned by Him whom we wickedly desert. This can be achieved with the help of divine favor if we observe the apostolic doctrines and the commands of the Fathers. For our Lord says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14).

And although these words might generally suffice for us to avoid errors or to keep the Catholic decrees, nevertheless, because it has been reported to us through John, our brother and fellow bishop, that some things are being presumed contrary to the reverence of the canons, I have decided to issue a general decree to avoid the danger that threatens teachers from remaining silent and having been moved by the prophetic voice that says, “Speak, do not be silent” (Isaiah 18).

I. In the ordination of priests, you must think upon what has been prescribed and defined by the Fathers. Just as Christ is the head of the Church and the priests are His vicars, so also there must be clear concern in selecting them. It is fitting that those who are to be in charge of correcting others should themselves be irreproachable. Nothing must be lacking in the person whose role involves the essence and substance of religious discipline. Let everyone consider the value of the Lord’s flock, so that they understand what merit is appropriate for establishing a shepherd.

This will be done if the rank of the priesthood is not transferred carelessly to laypeople in any way. The person to whom the helm of the Church is committed must demonstrate his life through long testing. We do not deny that there are God-pleasing morals among the laity, but the rules of faithful service seek to enlist those soldiers who have been proven. One must learn before teaching and should rather set an example of religious conduct to others than seek to receive it from them. The person who is to intercede for the people should be an example of reformation to them. A religious culture should be entrusted through long observation so that it may shine forth, and one being trained in clerical duties should serve, demonstrating humility when brought to the highest rank.

Not even the ancient practice among the people allowed anyone except those of the Levitical line to approach the sacred altars, lest a person unworthy due to lack of merit or driven by pride or presumption should approach the sacred service. In the past, they were transferred to the worship through the prerogative of family; now, instruction stands in place of birth. What was birth for them is instruction for us. Nature gave them to the tabernacle; discipline brings us to the altars. We prohibit not only the consecration of laymen but also any penitents from aspiring to this holy rank. It is enough for them to receive pardon upon seeking it. With what conscience can someone acquit the guilty who has himself confessed his sins before the people?

II. We add this to the above, that no one should acquire the blessing which is believed to be divine through the imposition of hands for money, for we must keep in mind that Simon, who wanted to buy the Holy Spirit with money, was condemned by the apostle (Acts 8). Then, who would not think it vile what is sold? The choice of those to be ordained to the priesthood should be made with such reverence that it is believed to be divine judgment amid the profound murmuring of the people. Where there is God, there is a pure, untainted agreement.

However, we do not omit this part of concern and admonition, that no one considers himself free from blame who, even if not personally tainted by the redemption or the consecration of a priest through a mystical blessing, has consented to someone else’s redemption either willingly or by necessity. What does it profit someone not to be stained by their own error if they give consent to another’s sin? Clearly, one transgresses against the commands if they have their own sin and follow another’s. It is in vain for the mind to resist greed if it does not also resist fear.

III. The Fathers, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have rightly decreed that councils should be held twice a year in each diocese so that those gathered together according to the wholesome institution of doctrine may freely discuss ecclesiastical matters. If all things are in accord with this desire, they may praise God with united voices, who grants the desires of their hearts. It is difficult for anyone’s heart to be so hardened by evil thoughts that they will tolerate reproachable acts when they know they must face the judgment of a council. Let their loins always be girded for this path, knowing they will be accountable for their actions.

They should refrain from what is unlawful due to fear and, if they cannot do so for shame. The holy canons have decreed that councils should convene twice a year, and while it is preferable that this mandate is kept inviolate, if circumstances do not allow it to be fulfilled twice, we order that at least once, without any excuse, the council must be convened.

These, most beloved brothers, and other things contained in the rules of the Fathers, let us meditate upon in our lips and hearts without ceasing. As it is written, let us declare them to our children, so they may meditate on them in their hearts, sitting at home, walking on the road, lying down, and rising (Deuteronomy 6). Blessed is he in the Lord who meditates on His law day and night (Psalm 1).

The teacher of the nations instructed his disciple similarly, admonishing, “Meditate on these things; be in them” (1 Timothy 4), and adding the fullness, saying, “Pay attention to yourself and to the doctrine,” for if we continue in faithful teachings without ceasing, we separate ourselves from vices while diligent care for divine work leaves no room for human error.

Given on the fourth of the Nones of April, in the consulship of Agapitus, a distinguished man (year of our Lord 517).