# Canons of the Council of Carthage (397)

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Concilium Carthaginense III*
- Date: 397 (certain)
- Source: Friedrich Lauchert, ed., Die Kanones der wichtigsten altkirchlichen Concilien nebst den Apostolischen Kanones (Freiburg i. B. and Leipzig: Mohr, 1896); text read from a Tesseract OCR of the archive.org scan (Latin text: Lauchert (1896), 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. 1 (Berlin: Reimer, 1839); Friedrich Lauchert, ed., Die Kanones der wichtigsten altkirchlichen Concilien (Freiburg i. B.: Mohr, 1896); Périclès-Pierre Joannou, ed., Discipline générale antique (IVe-IXe s.), vol. 1.2 (Grottaferrata: Tipografia Italo-Orientale, 1962)
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/
- Passages: 51

## Heading (date and consuls)

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-0
- Source: Lauchert, 162
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Heading of the council of Carthage held on 28 August 397 by forty-seven bishops.

### Latin text

habitum ab episcopis numero quadraginta septem, era CCCCXXXVI, Caesario et Attico viris clarissimis consulibus, V. Kalendas Septembris.

### English translation (Claude)

… held by the bishops, forty-seven in number, in the era 436, in the consulship of the most distinguished men Caesarius and Atticus, on the fifth day before the Kalends of September.

### Translation notes

- The beginning of the heading is lost in the text as printed. The consuls date the council to 397; the Spanish “era” 436 would correspond to AD 398, so one of the two dates is inexact. The fifth day before the Kalends of September is 28 August.
- Canons 1–37 are the summary (Breviarium) of the canons of the council of Hippo (393), re-enacted at this council; the rest are the acts of the council of 397.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III pref. (Lauchert, 162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-0).

## Canon 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-1
- Source: Lauchert, 198
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: All African bishops are to take the date of Easter from the church of Carthage.

### Latin text

Placuit igitur in principio, propter errorem qui saepe solet oboriri; ut omnes Africanae provinciae episcopi observationem diei paschalis ab ecclesia Carthaginensi curent accipere.

### English translation (Claude)

It has pleased, then, at the beginning, because of the error that often arises, that all the bishops of the African province take care to receive the observance of the day of Pascha from the church of Carthage.

### Translation notes

- “Pascha”: Easter.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 1 (Lauchert, 198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-1).

## Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-2
- Source: Lauchert, 198–199
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A general African council is to meet every year, attended by legates of each province.

### Latin text

Similiter placuit, ut propter causas ecclesiasticas, quae ad perniciem plebium saepe veterascunt, singulis quibusque annis concilium convocetur, ad quod omnes provinciae, quae primas sedes habent, de conciliis suis binos aut quantos elegerint episcopos legatos mittant, ut et minus invidiosi minusque hospitibus sumptuosi existant, et in congregato conventu plena possit esse auctoritas; de Tripoli autem propter inopiam episcoporum unus episcopus veniat.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that, because of church cases which often grow old to the ruin of the peoples, a council be convened every single year, to which all the provinces that have first sees are to send from their councils two bishops as legates, or as many as they choose, so that they may be less burdensome and less costly to their hosts, and the assembled meeting may have full authority; but from Tripoli, because of the scarcity of bishops, one bishop is to come.

### Translation notes

- “First sees” (primae sedes): in Africa the senior bishop of each province (the primate) held the “first see”.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 2 (Lauchert, 198–199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-2).

## Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-3
- Source: Lauchert, 199
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Candidates for ordination are first to be taught the decrees of the councils.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut ordinandis episcopis vel clericis prius ab ordinatoribus suis decreta conciliorum auribus eorum inculcentur, ne se aliquid contra statuta concilii fecisse poeniteant.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that bishops or clergy who are to be ordained first have the decrees of the councils impressed on their ears by those who ordain them, lest they regret having done anything contrary to the statutes of the council.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 3 (Lauchert, 199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-3).

## Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-4
- Source: Lauchert, 199
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Deacons and consecrated virgins must be at least twenty-five, and readers may not give the liturgical greeting.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut ante viginti quinque annos aetatis nec diacones ordinentur, nec virgines consecrentur, et ut lectores populum non salutent.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that deacons are not to be ordained, nor virgins consecrated, before twenty-five years of age, and that readers are not to greet the people.

### Translation notes

- “Greet the people”: give the liturgical greeting (e.g. “The Lord be with you”).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 4 (Lauchert, 199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-4).

## Canon 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-5
- Source: Lauchert, 199
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Even at Easter catechumens receive only the customary blessed salt.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut etiam per solemnissimos paschales dies sacramentum catechumenis non detur, nisi solitum salis; quia si fideles per illos dies sacramenta non mutant, nec catechumenos oportet mutare.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that even during the most solemn days of Pascha no sacrament is to be given to catechumens except the customary salt; because, if the faithful do not change their sacraments during those days, neither ought catechumens to change theirs.

### Translation notes

- Catechumens in Africa received blessed salt; the canon forbids giving them anything more (such as the eucharist) at Easter. The reasoning of the last clause is compressed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 5 (Lauchert, 199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-5).

## Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-6
- Source: Lauchert, 199
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The eucharist is not to be given to corpses, since the dead cannot take and eat, and the practice might suggest that the dead can be baptized.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut corporibus defunctorum eucharistia non detur; dictum est enim a domino: Accipite et edite. Cadavera autem nec accipere possunt nec edere. Deinde cavendum est, ne mortuos etiam baptizari posse fratrum infirmitas credat, quibus nec eucharistiam dari animadverterit.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that the eucharist is not to be given to the bodies of the dead; for it was said by the Lord, “Take and eat”; but corpses can neither take nor eat. Further, care must be taken lest the weakness of the brothers believe that the dead can even be baptized, when it sees the eucharist given to them.

### Scripture references

- Matt 26:26: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- “When it sees the eucharist given to them”: the text as printed has nec (“not … given”), which contradicts the sense; translated as the argument requires.
- “Take and eat”: Matt 26:26.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 6 (Lauchert, 199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-6).

## Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-7
- Source: Lauchert, 199–200
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Procedure for accusations against a bishop: hearing before the primate within a month (two if excused), suspension of a defendant who fails to appear, and penalties for an accuser who withdraws.

### Latin text

Aurelius episcopus dixit: Quisquis episcoporum accusatur, ad primates provinciae ipsius causam deferat accusator; nec a communione suspendatur cui crimen intenditur, nisi ad causam suam dicendam primae sedis litteris evocatus die statuta minime occurrerit, hoc est intra spatium mensis ex ea die, qua eum litteras accepisse constiterit: quod si aliquas veras necessitatis causas probaverit, quibus eum occurrere non potuisse manifestum sit, causae suae dicendae intra alterum mensem integram habeat facultatem; verum tamdiu post mensem secundum non communicet, donec purgetur. Si autem nec ad concilium universale anniversarium occurrere voluerit ut vel ibi causa eius terminetur, ipse in se damnationis sententiam dixisse iudicetur. Tempore sane quo non communicat, nec in sua ecclesia vel parochia communicet. Accusator autem eius, si nunquam diebus causae dicendae defuerit, a communione non removeatur; si vero aliquando defuerit subtrahens se, restituto in communionem episcopo ipse removeatur a communione accusator, ita tamen ut nec ipsi adimatur facultas causae peragendae, si se ad diem occurrere non noluisse, sed non potuisse probaverit. Illud vero placuit, ut quum agere coeperit in episcoporum iudicio, si fuerit accusatoris persona culpabilis, ad arguendum non admittatur, nisi proprias causas, non tamen si ecclesiasticas asserere voluerit.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishop Aurelius said: Whenever any of the bishops is accused, the accuser is to bring the case to the primates of that province; and the one against whom the charge is brought is not to be suspended from communion unless, summoned by letters of the first see to plead his case, he fails to appear on the appointed day, that is, within the space of a month from the day on which it is established that he received the letter. But if he proves some true reasons of necessity which make it plain that he could not appear, he is to have full opportunity to plead his case within a second month; but after the second month he is not to communicate until he is cleared. And if he will not come even to the annual universal council, so that his case may be ended there at least, he is to be judged to have pronounced the sentence of condemnation on himself. During the time, of course, in which he does not communicate, he is not to communicate even in his own church or parish. But his accuser, if he has never been absent on the days for pleading the case, is not to be removed from communion; but if he has at any time been absent, withdrawing himself, then, the bishop being restored to communion, the accuser himself is to be removed from communion; yet so that he is not deprived of the opportunity of prosecuting the case, if he proves that he did not refuse to appear on the day but was unable to. This too has pleased: that when he has begun to plead in the judgment of the bishops, if the person of the accuser is blameworthy, he is not to be admitted to accuse, unless he wishes to assert his own causes, but not if he wishes to assert ecclesiastical ones.

### Translation notes

- “But after the second month he is not to communicate”: the printed text is garbled at this point and the edition supplies verum tamdiu; translated accordingly.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 7 (Lauchert, 199–200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-7).

## Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-8
- Source: Lauchert, 199–200
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Accused presbyters are judged by their bishop with five colleagues, deacons by their bishop with two; other clergy by their own bishop alone.

### Latin text

Si autem presbyteri vel diaconi fuerint accusati, adiuncto sibi ex vicinis locis proprius episcopus legitimo numero collegarum, una secum in presbyteri nomine episcopi sex, in diaconi tres, ipsorum causam discutiant, eadem dierum et dilatione et a communione remotionum et discussione personarum inter accusatores et eos qui accusantur forma servata. Reliquorum autem clericorum causas etiam solus episcopus loci agnoscat et finiat.

### English translation (Claude)

But if presbyters or deacons are accused, their own bishop, joining to himself from neighboring places a lawful number of colleagues, namely, together with himself, six bishops in the case of a presbyter and three in that of a deacon, is to examine their case, the same form being observed as to the days, the postponement, the removal from communion, and the examination of the persons between the accusers and the accused. But the cases of the remaining clergy the bishop of the place is to hear and decide even alone.

### Translation notes

- “Even alone”: the OCR reads lus; the standard text of this canon has solus.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 8 (Lauchert, 199–200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-8).

## Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-9
- Source: Lauchert, 200–201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who take church cases to the civil courts lose their office or what they win, since Paul tells Christians to settle disputes in the church.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut quisquis episcoporum, presbyterorum et diaconorum seu clericorum, quum in ecclesia ei fuerit crimen institutum vel civilis causa fuerit commota, si relicto iudicio ecclesiastico publicis iudiciis purgari voluerit, etiam si pro ipso fuerit prolata sententia, locum suum amittat; et hoc in criminali actione: in civili vero perdat quod evicit, si locum suum obtinere maluerit. Cui enim ad eligendos iudices undique ecclesiae patet auctoritas, ipse se indignum ecclesiae consortio iudicat, qui de universa ecclesia male sentiendo de iudicio saeculari poscit auxilium, quum privatorum Christianorum causas apostolus etiam ad ecclesiam deferri atque ibi determinari praecipiat.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that if any bishop, presbyter, deacon, or cleric, when a criminal charge has been brought against him in the church or a civil case has been raised, chooses to abandon the church's court and be cleared in the public courts, even if sentence is given in his favor, he is to lose his place; and this in a criminal action; but in a civil one he is to lose what he has won, if he prefers to keep his place. For he to whom the authority of the church lies open on every side for choosing judges judges himself unworthy of the fellowship of the church, since, thinking ill of the whole church, he asks help from a secular court, whereas the apostle commands that the cases even of private Christians be brought to the church and decided there.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 6:1–6: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- The apostle's command: 1 Cor 6:1–6.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 9 (Lauchert, 200–201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-9).

## Canon 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-10
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: An appeal does not discredit the first judges unless they acted with malice or corruption, and judges chosen by both parties admit no appeal.

### Latin text

Hoc etiam placuit, ut a quibuscumque iudicibus ecclesiasticis ad alios iudices ecclesiasticos ubi est maior auctoritas fuerit provocatum, non eis obsit quorum fuerit lata sententia, si convinci non potuerint vel inimico animo iudicasse vel aliqua cupiditate aut gratia depravati: sane si ex consensu partium iudices electi fuerint, etiam a pauciori numero, quam constitutum est, non liceat provocari.

### English translation (Claude)

This too has pleased: if an appeal has been made from any church judges to other church judges where there is greater authority, it is not to harm those by whom the sentence was pronounced, if they cannot be convicted of having judged with a hostile mind or of having been corrupted by some greed or favor. Indeed, if the judges have been chosen by consent of the parties, even if fewer in number than is laid down, no appeal is to be permitted.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 10 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-10).

## Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-11
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Sons of clergy may neither stage nor watch public shows.

### Latin text

Ut filii sacerdotum vel clericorum spectacula saecularia non exhibeant, sed nec spectent, quandoquidem ab spectando etiam omnes laici prohibeantur; semper enim Christianis omnibus hoc interdictum est, ut ubi blasphemiae sunt non accedant.

### English translation (Claude)

That the sons of priests or clergy are not to put on secular shows, nor even watch them, since all laypeople too are forbidden to watch them; for it has always been forbidden to all Christians to go where there are blasphemies.

### Translation notes

- “Priests” (sacerdotes): bishops and presbyters.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 11 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-11).

## Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-12
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Children of clergy may not marry pagans, heretics or schismatics.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut filii vel filiae episcoporum vel quorumlibet clericorum gentilibus vel haereticis aut schismaticis matrimonio non coniungantur.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that the sons or daughters of bishops or of any clergy are not to be joined in marriage to pagans or heretics or schismatics.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 12 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-12).

## Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-13
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not give their property to non-catholics, even relatives.

### Latin text

Ut episcopi vel clerici in eos qui catholici Christiani non sunt, etiam si consanguinei fuerint, per donationes rerum suarum nihil conferant.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops or clergy are to give nothing by gifts of their property to those who are not catholic Christians, even if they are blood relatives.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 13 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-13).

## Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-14
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy are not to emancipate their sons until they are sure of their maturity and character.

### Latin text

Ut episcopi vel clerici filios suos a sua potestate per mancipationem exire non sinant, nisi de moribus eorum fuerint et de aetate securi, ut possint ad eos iam propria pertinere, peccata.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops or clergy are not to let their sons go out of their authority by emancipation unless they are sure of their character and age, so that their sins may now belong to themselves.

### Translation notes

- “Emancipation” (mancipatio): the Roman legal act releasing a son from his father's authority, after which he answers for himself.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 14 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-14).

## Canon 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-15
- Source: Lauchert, 201
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not be lessees or agents for others or earn a living by dishonorable business.

### Latin text

Item placuit, ut episcopi, presbyteri et diaconi vel clerici non sint conductores aut procuratores privatorum neque ullo turpi vel inhonesto negotio victum quaerant, quia respicere debent scriptum esse: Nemo militans deo implicat se negotiis saecularibus.

### English translation (Claude)

Likewise it has pleased that bishops, presbyters, and deacons, or clergy, are not to be lessees or agents of private persons, nor to seek their living by any base or dishonorable business, because they ought to consider that it is written, “No one serving as a soldier to God entangles himself in secular affairs.”

### Scripture references

- 2 Tim 2:4: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- The quotation is 2 Tim 2:4 in a Latin form that adds “to God”.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 15 (Lauchert, 201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-15).

## Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-16
- Source: Lauchert, 201–202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not take interest on loans.

### Latin text

Ut nullus clericorum amplius recipiat, quam cuiquam quod accommodaverit: si pecuniam, pecuniam accipiat; si speciem, speciem; quantum dederit accipiat; et quidquid aliud, tantum quantum dederit.

### English translation (Claude)

That no cleric is to receive back more than he has lent to anyone: if money, let him receive money; if goods, goods; let him receive as much as he gave; and whatever else, just as much as he gave.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 16 (Lauchert, 201–202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-16).

## Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-17
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may live only with close female relatives and household women already there before their ordination.

### Latin text

Ut cum omnibus omnino clericis extraneae foeminae non cohabitent, sed solae matres, aviae et materterae, amitae, sorores et filiae fratrum aut sororum, et quaecumque ex familia domestica necessitate, etiam antequam ordinarentur, iam cum eis habitabant, vel si filii eorum iam ordinatis parentibus uxores acceperunt, aut servis non habentibus in domo quas ducant, aliunde ducere necessitas fuerit.

### English translation (Claude)

That no strange women at all are to live with any of the clergy, but only mothers, grandmothers, maternal aunts, paternal aunts, sisters, and daughters of brothers or sisters, and any women of the household who, by domestic necessity, were already living with them even before they were ordained; or if their sons, after their parents were ordained, have taken wives; or if, their slaves having no women in the house to marry, it has been necessary to take wives for them from elsewhere.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 17 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-17).

## Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-18
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No one may be ordained bishop, presbyter or deacon until his whole household is catholic.

### Latin text

Ut episcopi et presbyteri et diaconi non ordinentur, priusquam omnes qui sunt in domo eorum Christianos catholicos fecerint.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops, presbyters, and deacons are not to be ordained before they have made all who are in their house catholic Christians.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:4: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 18 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-18).

## Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-19
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Readers who reach puberty must either marry or profess continence.

### Latin text

Placuit, ut lectores, quum ad annos pubertatis venerint, cogantur aut uxores ducere aut continentiam profiteri.

### English translation (Claude)

It has pleased that readers, when they reach the years of puberty, are to be compelled either to take wives or to profess continence.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 19 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-19).

## Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-20
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No bishop may take over another bishop's people or territory.

### Latin text

Placuit, ut a nullo episcopo usurpentur plebes alienae, nec aliquis episcoporum supergrediatur in dioecesim collegae sui.

### English translation (Claude)

It has pleased that no bishop is to usurp the peoples of another, nor any bishop encroach upon the diocese of his colleague.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 20 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-20).

## Canon 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-21
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No bishop may keep or promote another bishop's cleric without consent; readers, psalmists and door-keepers count as clergy.

### Latin text

Ut clericum alienum, nisi concedente eius episcopo, nemo audeat retinere vel promovere in ecclesia sibi credita; clericorum autem nomen etiam lectores et psalmistae et ostiarii retinent.

### English translation (Claude)

That no one is to dare to retain another's cleric, or promote him in the church entrusted to himself, except with his bishop's consent; and readers, psalmists, and door-keepers also hold the name of clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 21 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-21).

## Canon 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-22
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy are to be ordained only after examination by the bishops or testimony of the people.

### Latin text

Ut nullus ordinetur clericus nisi probatus vel episcoporum examine vel populi testimonio.

### English translation (Claude)

That no cleric is to be ordained unless he has been approved either by the examination of the bishops or by the testimony of the people.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 22 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-22).

## Canon 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-23
- Source: Lauchert, 202
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Prayers at the altar are to be addressed to the Father, and prayers taken from elsewhere must first be checked by more learned brothers.

### Latin text

Ut nemo in precibus vel patrem pro filio vel filium pro patre nominet; et quum altari assistitur, semper ad patrem dirigatur oratio; et quicumque sibi preces aliunde describit, non eis utatur, nisi prius eas cum instructioribus fratribus contulerit.

### English translation (Claude)

That in prayers no one is to name the Father in place of the Son or the Son in place of the Father; and when one stands at the altar, the prayer is always to be directed to the Father; and whoever copies out prayers for himself from elsewhere is not to use them unless he has first compared them with the more instructed brothers.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 23 (Lauchert, 202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-23).

## Canon 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-24
- Source: Lauchert, 202–203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only bread and wine mixed with water are to be offered in the eucharist.

### Latin text

Ut in sacramentis corporis et sanguinis domini nihil amplius offeratur, quam ipse dominus tradidit, hoc est panis et vinum aquae mixtum, nec amplius in primitiis offeratur, quam de uvis et frumentis.

### English translation (Claude)

That in the sacraments of the body and blood of the Lord nothing more is to be offered than the Lord himself handed down, that is, bread and wine mixed with water; and nothing more is to be offered among the first-fruits than grapes and grain.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 11:23: echo, low confidence

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 24 (Lauchert, 202–203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-24).

## Canon 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-25
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy and ascetics may visit widows and virgins only with permission and in company.

### Latin text

Ut clerici vel continentes ad viduas vel virgines nisi ex iussu vel permissu episcoporum aut presbyterorum non accedant, et hoc non soli faciant, sed cum conclericis vel cum his cum quibus episcopus aut presbyter iusserit; nec ipsi episcopi aut presbyteri soli habeant accessum ad huiusmodi foeminas, sed ubi aut clerici praesentes sunt aut graves aliqui Christiani.

### English translation (Claude)

That clergy or continent men are not to visit widows or virgins except by the order or permission of the bishops or presbyters, and they are not to do this alone but with fellow clergy or with those with whom the bishop or presbyter orders; nor are the bishops or presbyters themselves to have access to such women alone, but where either clergy are present or some grave Christians.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 25 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-25).

## Canon 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-26
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The primate is to be called only “bishop of the first see”, not “high priest” or the like.

### Latin text

Ut primae sedis episcopus non appelletur princeps sacerdotum aut summus sacerdos aut aliquid huiusmodi, sed tantum primae sedis episcopus.

### English translation (Claude)

That the bishop of the first see is not to be called prince of priests or high priest or anything of the kind, but only bishop of the first see.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 26 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-26).

## Canon 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-27
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not eat or drink in taverns except when travelling.

### Latin text

Ut clerici edendi vel bibendi causa tabernas non ingrediantur, nisi peregrinationis necessitate.

### English translation (Claude)

That clergy are not to enter taverns for the sake of eating or drinking, except by necessity of travel.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 27 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-27).

## Canon 28

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-28
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Bishops may not travel overseas without consulting their primate and receiving his letter.

### Latin text

Ut episcopi trans mare non proficiscantur, nisi consulto primae sedis episcopo suae cuiusque provinciae, ut ab eo praecipue possit sumere formatam vel commendationem.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops are not to go overseas without consulting the bishop of the first see of each one's province, so that from him especially they may obtain a formal letter or commendation.

### Translation notes

- “Formal letter” (formata): a letter attesting communion.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 28 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-28).

## Canon 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-29
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The eucharist is celebrated only fasting (except on Maundy Thursday); funeral commendations after a meal are made with prayers alone.

### Latin text

Ut sacramenta altaris non nisi a ieiunis hominibus celebrentur [excepto uno die anniversario, quo coena domini celebratur]. Nam si aliquorum pomeridiano tempore defunctorum sive episcoporum sive ceterorum commendatio facienda est, solis orationibus fiat, si illi qui faciunt iam pransi inveniuntur.

### English translation (Claude)

That the sacraments of the altar are to be celebrated only by people who are fasting [except on the one anniversary day on which the Lord's Supper is celebrated]. For if the commendation of any who have died, whether bishops or others, is to be made in the afternoon, let it be made with prayers only, if those who perform it are found to have already eaten.

### Translation notes

- The words in square brackets are bracketed in the edition. “The one anniversary day on which the Lord's Supper is celebrated” is Maundy Thursday.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 29 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-29).

## Canon 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-30
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy and people are not to hold banquets in church buildings.

### Latin text

Ut nulli episcopi vel clerici in ecclesia conviventur, nisi forte transeuntes hospitiorum necessitate illic reficiant: populi etiam ab huiusmodi conviviis quantum fieri potest prohibeantur.

### English translation (Claude)

That no bishops or clergy are to hold banquets in the church, unless perhaps when passing through they take refreshment there out of the necessity of lodging; the people too are to be kept from such banquets as far as possible.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 30 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-30).

## Canon 31

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-31
- Source: Lauchert, 203
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishop sets the length of penance according to the sin.

### Latin text

Ut poenitentibus secundum differentiam peccatorum episcopi arbitrio poenitentiae tempora decernantur.

### English translation (Claude)

That the times of penance are to be fixed for penitents by the bishop's judgment according to the difference of sins.

### Translation notes

- “Penance” (paenitentia): the church's public discipline for grave sins.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 31 (Lauchert, 203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-31).

## Canon 32

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-32
- Source: Lauchert, 203–204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Presbyters may reconcile penitents only with the bishop's consent, and notorious sinners are reconciled publicly before the apse.

### Latin text

Ut presbyter inconsulto episcopo non reconciliet poenitentem, nisi absentia episcopi necessitate cogente: cuiuscumque autem poenitentis publicum et vulgatissimum crimen est, quod universam ecclesiam commoverit, ante absidam manus ei imponatur.

### English translation (Claude)

That a presbyter is not to reconcile a penitent without consulting the bishop, unless the absence of the bishop compels it by necessity; but for any penitent whose crime is public and widely known, so that it has disturbed the whole church, hands are to be laid on him before the apse.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 32 (Lauchert, 203–204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-32).

## Canon 33

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-33
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Consecrated virgins who lose their parents are to be placed in a community of virgins or with older women.

### Latin text

Ut virgines sacrae si a parentibus a quibus custodiebantur privatae fuerint, episcopi providentia vel presbyteri ubi episcopus absens est, monasterio virginum vel gravioribus foeminis commendentur, ut simul habitantes invicem se custodiant, ne passim vagando ecclesiae laedant opinionem.

### English translation (Claude)

That consecrated virgins, if they are deprived of the parents by whom they were guarded, are by the provision of the bishop, or of the presbyter where the bishop is absent, to be entrusted to a monastery of virgins or to graver women, so that, living together, they may guard one another, lest by wandering about they harm the reputation of the church.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 33 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-33).

## Canon 34

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-34
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Sick people unable to answer may be baptized on their family's testimony of their wish.

### Latin text

Ut aegrotantes si pro se respondere non possunt, quum voluntatis eorum testimonium sui dixerint, baptizentur.

### English translation (Claude)

That the sick, if they cannot answer for themselves, are to be baptized when their own people have spoken in testimony of their wish.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 34 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-34).

## Canon 35

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-35
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Actors, players and apostates who turn to God are not to be refused grace or reconciliation.

### Latin text

Ut scenicis atque histrionibus ceterisque huiusmodi personis, vel apostaticis conversis vel reversis ad deum, gratia vel reconciliatio non negetur.

### English translation (Claude)

That to actors and players and other persons of that kind, or to apostates who have been converted or have returned to God, grace or reconciliation is not to be denied.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 35 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-35).

## Canon 36

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-36
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Presbyters may not consecrate virgins without the bishop, nor ever make the chrism.

### Latin text

Ut presbyter non consulto episcopo virgines non consecret; chrisma vero nunquam conficiat.

### English translation (Claude)

That a presbyter is not to consecrate virgins without consulting the bishop; and he is never to make the chrism.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 36 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-36).

## Canon 37

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-37
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not stay in another city without just cause approved by the local clergy.

### Latin text

Ut clerici in aliena civitate non immorentur, nisi causas eorum iustas episcopus loci vel presbyteres locorum perviderint.

### English translation (Claude)

That clergy are not to stay in another city unless the bishop of the place or the presbyters of the places have seen that their reasons are just.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 37 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-37).

## Canon 38

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-38
- Source: Lauchert, 204
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The synod repeats the rule of the synod of Capua against rebaptism, reordination and transfers of bishops.

### Latin text

Illud autem suggerimus mandatum nobis, quod etiam in Capuensi plenaria synodo videtur statutum, ut non liceat fieri rebaptizationes, reordinationes vel translationes episcoporum....

### English translation (Claude)

And we put forward the instruction given to us, which also seems to have been decreed at the plenary synod of Capua, that rebaptisms, reordinations, and transfers of bishops are not to be permitted. …

### Translation notes

- The edition prints only the opening of this canon; the rest, which concerns the case of Bishop Crisconius of Villa Regis, is summarized by the editor (in German) and is not reproduced here. The synod of Capua was held in 391/392.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 38 (Lauchert, 204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-38).

## Canon 39

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-39
- Source: Lauchert, 204–205
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Against a proposal to require twelve bishops for an episcopal ordination, Aurelius keeps the ancient rule of at least three.

### Latin text

Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi dixerunt: Et illud nobis mandatum est, ut quia proxime fratres nostri Numidiae duo episcopi ordinare praesumpserunt pontificem, non nisi a duodecim censeatis episcoporum celebrari ordinationes. Aurelius episcopus dixit: Forma antiqua servabitur, ut non minus quam tres sufficiant, qui fuerint a metropolitano ordinati, ad episcopum ordinandum; propterea quia in Tripoli forte et in Arzuge interiacere videantur barbarae gentes. Nam et in Tripoli, ut asseritur, episcopi sunt quinque tantum et possunt de ipso numero forte vel duo necessitate aliqua occupari; difficile est enim, ut de quolibet numero omnes possint occurrere. Numquid debet hoc ipsum impedimento esse ecclesiasticae utilitati? Nam et in hac ecclesia, ad quam dignata est sanctitas vestra convenire crebro ac pene per diem dominicam ordinandos habemus. Numquidnam frequenter potero duodecim vel decem vel non multo minus advocare episcopos? Sed facile est mihi duos adiungere meae parvitati vicinos: quapropter cernit mecum caritas vestra hoc ipsum observari non posse.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus said: This too was entrusted to us: since recently two of our brother bishops of Numidia presumed to ordain a bishop, that you decree that ordinations be celebrated only by twelve bishops. Bishop Aurelius said: The ancient form will be kept, that not fewer than three, appointed by the metropolitan, suffice to ordain a bishop; this because in Tripoli, perhaps, and in Arzugis barbarian peoples seem to lie in between. For in Tripoli too, as is asserted, there are only five bishops, and of that number perhaps two may be kept busy by some necessity; for it is difficult for all of any number to be able to come. Ought this very thing to be a hindrance to the church's benefit? For in this church too, to which your holiness has deigned to come, we frequently, almost every Lord's day, have men to be ordained. Shall I often be able to summon twelve or ten or not many fewer bishops? But it is easy for me to join two neighbors to my littleness: wherefore your love sees with me that this very thing cannot be observed.

### Extrabiblical texts

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

### Translation notes

- Honoratus and Urbanus were legates of Mauretania Sitifensis. “Appointed by the metropolitan” renders a metropolitano ordinati, which could also mean “ordained by the metropolitan”. Arzugis was a frontier district in the region of Tripoli. The rule of three bishops is that of Nicaea, canon 4.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 39 (Lauchert, 204–205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-39).

## Canon 40

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-40
- Source: Lauchert, 205
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: If an objection is raised against a bishop-elect, more bishops are to be called and the charges examined publicly before he is ordained.

### Latin text

Et illud est statuendum, ut quando ad eligendum episcopum convenerimus, si qua contradictio fuerit oborta, quia talia facta sunt apud nos, non praesumant ad purgandum eum qui ordinandus est tres iam, sed postulentur ad numerum supradictorum duo vel tres, et in eadem plebe cui ordinandus est discutiantur primo personae contradicentium, postremo illa etiam quae obiciuntur pertractentur; et quum purgatus fuerit sub conspectu publico, ita demum ordinetur. Si hoc cum vestrae sanctitatis animo concordat, roboretur vestrae dignationis responsione. Ab universis episcopis dictum est: Satis placet.

### English translation (Claude)

And this too must be decreed: when we have come together to elect a bishop, if any objection arises, because such things have happened among us, the three are not to presume to clear the one who is to be ordained, but two or three more are to be requested in addition to the number mentioned above; and among the same people for whom he is to be ordained, first the persons of the objectors are to be examined, and finally the charges that are brought are also to be dealt with; and when he has been cleared in public view, then at last he is to be ordained. If this agrees with the mind of your holiness, let it be confirmed by the answer of your worthiness. By all the bishops it was said: It pleases well.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 40 (Lauchert, 205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-40).

## Canon 41

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-41
- Source: Lauchert, 205–206
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The date of Easter is to be announced each year by Carthage through the legates at the annual council, and Mauretania is to be told by letter.

### Latin text

Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi dixerunt: Quoniam de concilio quaedam tractata noscuntur, addimus etiam de die paschae nobis esse mandatum, ut de ecclesia semper Carthaginensi, sicut praedictum est, instruamur, et non sub angusto temporis spatio. Aurelius episcopus dixit: Si sanctitati vestrae videtur, quoniam nos spopondisse iam superius meminimus, ut singulis quibusque annis ad tractandum conveniamus, et quum convenerimus in unum, tunc divulgabitur sanctus paschae dies per legatos qui adfuerint concilio. Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi dixerunt: Nunc de praesenti coetu petimus, ut litteris provinciam nostram de hac die informare dignemini. Aurelius episcopus dixit: Ita fiat necesse est.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus said: Since certain things are known to have been dealt with concerning the council, we add that we were also instructed concerning the day of Pascha, that we always be informed of it by the church of Carthage, as was said before, and not within a short space of time. Bishop Aurelius said: If it seems good to your holiness, since we remember that we have already promised above to meet every single year to deliberate, then, when we have come together, the holy day of Pascha will be announced through the legates who are present at the council. Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus said: Now we ask of the present assembly that you deign to inform our province of this day by letter. Bishop Aurelius said: So it must be done.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 41 (Lauchert, 205–206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-41).

## Canon 42

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-42
- Source: Lauchert, 206
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A rural district that has never had its own bishop is not to receive one, lest ambitious presbyters set themselves up against their bishops.

### Latin text

Epigonius episcopus dixit: Multis conciliis hoc statutum est a coetu sacerdotali, ut plebes quae in dioecesibus ab episcopis retinentur, quae episcopos nunquam habuerunt, non nisi cum voluntate eius episcopi, a quo tenentur, proprios accipiant rectores, id est episcopos. At vero quia nonnulli dominatu quodam adepto communionem fratrum abhorrent, vel certe quum depravati fuerint, quasi in quadam arce tyrannica sibi dominatum vindicant, quod plerique tumidi atque stolidi adversus episcopos suos cervices erigunt presbyteri, vel conviviis sibi conciliantes plebem vel certe persuasu maligno, ut illicito favore eosdem velint sibi collocare rectores, quod quidem insigne mentis tuae tenemus votum, frater religiose Aureli, quia haec saepe oppressisti non curando tales petitores, sed propter eorum malos cogitatus et prave concinnata concilia hoc dico: non debere rectorem accipere eam plebem, quae in dioecesim semper subiacuit, nec unquam proprium episcopum habuit. Quapropter si universo sanctissimo coetui placet, hoc quod prosecutus sum confirmetur. Aurelius episcopus dixit: Fratres et consacerdotes nostri prosecutioni non obsisto, sed hoc me et fecisse et facturum esse profiteor.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishop Epigonius said: It has been decreed by the assembly of priests in many councils that peoples who are held by bishops in their dioceses, and who have never had bishops, are not to receive their own rulers, that is, bishops, except with the will of the bishop by whom they are held. But since some, having gained a kind of dominion, shrink from the communion of the brothers, or indeed, being depraved, claim lordship for themselves as in a kind of tyrant's citadel; since very many swollen and foolish presbyters raise their necks against their own bishops, either winning over the people to themselves by banquets, or indeed by malicious persuasion, so that by illicit favor they wish to set them up as rulers over themselves (and indeed we hold the notable resolve of your mind, religious brother Aurelius, for you have often suppressed these things by disregarding such petitioners), because of their evil thoughts and wickedly contrived plans I say this: that a people which has always been subject within a diocese and has never had its own bishop ought not to receive a ruler. Therefore, if it pleases the whole most holy assembly, let what I have set forth be confirmed. Bishop Aurelius said: I do not oppose the proposal of our brother and fellow priest, but I profess that I have done this and will do it.

### Translation notes

- “Diocese” (dioecesis) here means a rural district belonging to a bishop's church. “Of our brother and fellow priest”: the OCR has the plural (Fratres et consacerdotes nostri); translated by sense.
- Aurelius's last sentence continues at the start of the next passage.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 42 (Lauchert, 206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-42).

## Canon 43

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-43
- Source: Lauchert, 206–207
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Aurelius adds that bishops who separate themselves from the council and refuse its summons are to lose their dioceses and even their own churches, by public authority if need be.

### Latin text

Circa eos sane qui fuerint concordes non solum circa ecclesiam Carthaginensem, sed circa omne sacerdotale consortium, — sunt enim plerique conspirantes cum plebibus propriis, quas decipiunt, ut dictum est, earum scalpentes aures, blandi ad seducendum, vitiosae vitae homines, vel certe inflati et ab hoc consortio separati, qui putant propriae plebi incubandum et nonnunquam conventi ad concilium venire detrectant, sua forte ne prodantur flagitia metuentes; dico si placet circa hoc non tantum dioeceses non esse servandas, verum etiam et de propria ecclesia, quae illis male faverit, omnimodo adnitendum ut etiam auctoritate publica reieiantur, atque ab ipsis principalibus cathedris removeantur. Oportet enim, ut qui universis fratribus ac toto concilio inhaeserit, non solum suam iure integro, sed et dioeceses possideat; at vero, qui sibimet putant plebes suas sufficere, fraterna dilectione contempta, non tantum dioeceses amittant, sed, ut dixi, etiam propriis publica careant auctoritate ut rebelles. Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi dixerunt: Summa provisio sanctitatis tuae cohaesit mentibus singulorum, et puto omnium responsione ea quae prosequi dignatus es roboranda. Universi episcopi dixerunt: Placet, placet.

### English translation (Claude)

… with regard to those, that is, who have been of one mind, not only with the church of Carthage but with the whole fellowship of priests. For there are very many conspiring with their own peoples, whom they deceive, as has been said, tickling their ears, flattering to seduce, men of vicious life, or indeed puffed up and separated from this fellowship, who think they should brood over their own people, and sometimes, when summoned, refuse to come to the council, fearing perhaps that their crimes may be exposed. I say, if it pleases, that concerning these not only are their dioceses not to be kept for them, but every effort must also be made that they be expelled, even by public authority, from their own church which has wrongly favored them, and be removed from the principal sees themselves. For it is fitting that he who has held fast to all the brothers and to the whole council should possess by full right not only his own church but also the dioceses; but those who think that their own peoples suffice for them, despising brotherly love, should not only lose the dioceses but also, as I said, be deprived of their own churches by public authority as rebels. Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus said: The supreme foresight of your holiness has fixed itself in the minds of each, and I think that what you have deigned to set forth should be confirmed by the answer of all. All the bishops said: It pleases, it pleases.

### Scripture references

- 2 Tim 4:3: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Aurelius is still speaking: the opening words complete the last sentence of the preceding passage (“I profess that I have done this and will do it … with regard to those who have been of one mind”), that is, he has kept the dioceses of bishops loyal to the council. “Tickling their ears” echoes 2 Tim 4:3.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 43 (Lauchert, 206–207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-43).

## Canon 44

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-44
- Source: Lauchert, 207
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No bishop may take another bishop's cleric without his consent.

### Latin text

Epigonius episcopus dixit: In multis conciliis hoc statutum est, etiam nunc hoc confirmandum a vestra prudentia, fratres beatissimi, ut clericum alienum nullus sibi praeripiat episcopus praeter eius arbitrium, cuius fuerit clericus....

### English translation (Claude)

Bishop Epigonius said: It has been decreed in many councils, and must now also be confirmed by your prudence, most blessed brothers, that no bishop is to snatch for himself another's cleric without the consent of him whose cleric he is. …

### Translation notes

- The edition prints only the opening of this canon; the rest, concerning a particular case, is summarized by the editor (in German) and is not reproduced here.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 44 (Lauchert, 207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-44).

## Canon 45

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-45
- Source: Lauchert, 207–208
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishop of Carthage may take clergy requested by any church to be ordained as its leader, after first asking their own bishop; a bishop with only one presbyter may still have to give him up.

### Latin text

Aurelius episcopus dixit: Sermonem meum admittite, fratres. Contingit nonnunquam, ut postulentur ab ecclesiis, quae praepositis egent vel presbyteris vel episcopis, et tamen memor statutorum id sequor, ut conveniam episcopum eius atque ei inculcem, quod eius clericus a qualibet ecclesia postuletur; sed forte in hodierno non reluctati sunt, et ne quando contingat, ut reluctentur, quum fuerint a me in hac causa postulati, quem scitis multarum ecclesiarum et, ordinandorum curam sustinere, iustum est ergo, ut quemlibet consacerdotum conveniam cum duobus e consortio nostro vel tribus testibus; si vero indevotus extiterit, quid censet caritas vestra faciendum? Ego enim cunctarum ecclesiarum dignatione dei, ut scitis, fratres, sollicitudinem sustineo. Numidius episcopus dixit: Fuit haec semper licentia huic sedi, ut unde vellet et de cuius nomine fuisset conventus pro desiderio cuiusquam ecclesiae ordinaret episcopum. Epigonius episcopus dixit: Bonitas sequestrat possibilitatem, 5 minus enim praesumis, frater, quum te bonum et clementem reddis; habes enim hoc in arbitrio: satis est, ut satisfaciat personae uniuscuiusque episcopi in prima tantummodo conventione; si autem, quod licet huic sedi, vindicandum sibi fuerit arbitratus, necesse habes tu omnes ecclesias suffulcire: unde tibi non potestatem damus, sed tuae assignamus, ut liceat voluntati tuae et semper tenere quem voles, ut praepositos plebibus vel ecclesiis constituas, qui fuerint postulati, et unde voles. Postumianus episcopus dixit: Deinde qui unum habuerit, numquid debet illi unus ipse presbyter auferri? Aurelius episcopus dixit: Sed episcopus unus esse potest, per quem dignatione divina presbyteri multi constitui possint; unus autem episcopus difficile invenitur constituendus: quapropter si necessarium episcopus quis habuerit presbyterum, et unum, ut dixisti, frater, habuerit, etiam ipsum ad promotionem dare debebit. Postumianus episcopus dixit: Ergo si habet alius abundantes clericos, debet mihi alia plebs subvenire? Aurelius episcopus dixit: Sane, quomodo tu ecclesiae alteri subveneris, persuadebitur illi qui plures habet clericos, ut unum tibi ordinandum largiatur.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishop Aurelius said: Hear my word, brothers. It sometimes happens that men are requested by churches that need leaders, either presbyters or bishops; and yet, mindful of the statutes, I follow this course: I approach his bishop and impress on him that his cleric is requested by some church. Perhaps up to today they have not resisted; but lest it ever happen that they resist when they are asked by me in this matter (I who, as you know, bear the care of many churches and of those to be ordained), it is right, therefore, that I approach any fellow priest with two or three witnesses from our fellowship; but if he proves undevoted, what does your love think should be done? For I, by God's favor, as you know, brothers, bear the care of all the churches. Bishop Numidius said: This liberty has always belonged to this see, that from wherever it wished, and in whosever name it had been petitioned, it might ordain a bishop at the desire of any church. Bishop Epigonius said: Goodness sets possibility aside; for you claim less, brother, when you show yourself good and gentle; for you have this at your discretion: it is enough that you satisfy the person of each bishop at the first approach only; but if you have judged that you must claim for yourself what is permitted to this see, you have to support all the churches. Hence we do not give you a power, but we confirm the power that is yours, so that it may be lawful for your will always to take whom you wish, so as to appoint as leaders for the peoples or churches those who have been requested, and from wherever you wish. Bishop Postumianus said: Then, if someone has only one, ought that one presbyter of his to be taken from him? Bishop Aurelius said: But there can be one bishop through whom, by divine favor, many presbyters can be appointed; but one who can be appointed bishop is found with difficulty. Therefore if some bishop has a necessary presbyter and, as you said, brother, has only one, he will have to give even him for promotion. Bishop Postumianus said: So if another has clergy in abundance, ought another people to come to my aid? Bishop Aurelius said: Certainly; just as you have come to the aid of another church, so the one who has more clergy will be persuaded to grant you one to be ordained.

### Scripture references

- 2 Cor 11:28: echo, medium confidence
- Matt 18:16: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Bear the care of all the churches” echoes 2 Cor 11:28; “two or three witnesses” echoes Matt 18:16. “We confirm the power that is yours” renders the compressed sed tuae assignamus.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 45 (Lauchert, 207–208; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-45).

## Canon 46

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-46
- Source: Lauchert, 208–209
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop newly ordained for a rural district with its mother church's consent keeps only that district and may not claim others.

### Latin text

Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi dixerunt: Audivimus constitutum, ut dioeceses non mereantur episcopos accipere, nisi consensu eius sub quo fuerant constitutae; sed in provincia nostra, quum aliqui forte in dioecesi, concedente eo episcopo in cuius potestate fuerant constitutae, ordinati sunt episcopi, etiam dioeceses sibi vindicare: hoc et corrigi caritatis vestrae iudicio et inhiberi debet de cetero. Epigonius episcopus dixit: Singulis episcopis servatum est quod decebat, ut ex massa dioecesium nulla carperetur ut proprium episcopum habuisset, nisi ipse consensum adhibuisset concedendi; sufficiat enim si consenserit, ut eadem dioecesis permissa proprium tantum episcopum habeat, ceteras sibi non vindicet dioeceses, quae excepta de fasce multarum sola meruit honorem episcopatus suscipere. Aurelius episcopus dixit: Non dubito caritati vestrae omnium placere, eum in dioecesi, concedente episcopo qui matricem tenuit, solam eandem retinere plebem, in qua fuerit ordinatus.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus said: We have heard it decreed that dioceses do not deserve to receive bishops except with the consent of him under whom they had been placed; but in our province, when some have been ordained bishops in a diocese, perhaps with the consent of the bishop under whose authority they had been placed, they also claim dioceses for themselves: this ought to be corrected by the judgment of your love and forbidden for the future. Bishop Epigonius said: There has been preserved to each bishop what was fitting, that from the mass of dioceses none should be taken to have its own bishop unless he himself had given his consent to granting it; let it suffice, then, if he has consented, that the diocese so permitted have its own bishop only, and not claim other dioceses for itself, since it alone, taken out of the bundle of many, has deserved to receive the honor of the episcopate. Bishop Aurelius said: I do not doubt that it pleases all of your love that the bishop ordained in a diocese, with the consent of the bishop who held the mother church, is to keep only that same people for which he was ordained.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 46 (Lauchert, 208–209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-46).

## Canon 47

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-47
- Source: Lauchert, 209
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A list of the canonical Scriptures to be read in church, with a provision that the passions of martyrs may be read on their feast days.

### Latin text

Ut praeter scripturas canonicas nihil in ecclesia legatur sub nomine divinarum scripturarum. Sunt autem canonicae scripturae, id est: 1. Genesis. 2. Exodus. 3. Leviticus. 4. Numeri. 5. Deuteronomium. 6. Iesus Nave. 7. Iudicum. 8. Ruth. 9. Regnorum libri quatuor. 10. Paralipomenon libri duo. 11. Iob. 12. Psalterium Davidicum. 13. Salomonis libri quinque. 14. Libri duodecim Prophetarum. 15. Esaias. 16. Ieremias. 17. Ezechiel. 18. Daniel. 19. Tobias. 20. Iudith. 21. Esther. 22. Esdrae libri duo. 23. Machabaeorum libri duo. Novi autem Testamenti: 24. Evangeliorum libri quatuor. 25. Actuum apostolorum liber unus. 26. Pauli apostoli epistolae tredecim, eiusdem ad Hebraeos una. 27. Petri duae, Ioannis tres, Iudae una, Iacobi una, Apocalypsis Ioannis liber unus. Fiunt igitur libri viginti et septem, ita ut de confirmando isto canone transmarinae ecclesiae consulantur. Liceat etiam legi passiones martyrum, quum anniversarii dies eorum celebrantur.

### English translation (Claude)

That apart from the canonical Scriptures nothing is to be read in the church under the name of divine Scriptures. And the canonical Scriptures are these: 1. Genesis. 2. Exodus. 3. Leviticus. 4. Numbers. 5. Deuteronomy. 6. Joshua son of Nun. 7. Judges. 8. Ruth. 9. Four books of Kingdoms. 10. Two books of Chronicles. 11. Job. 12. The Psalter of David. 13. Five books of Solomon. 14. Twelve books of the Prophets. 15. Isaiah. 16. Jeremiah. 17. Ezekiel. 18. Daniel. 19. Tobit. 20. Judith. 21. Esther. 22. Two books of Ezra. 23. Two books of Maccabees. And of the New Testament: 24. Four books of the Gospels. 25. One book of the Acts of the Apostles. 26. Thirteen epistles of the apostle Paul, and one of the same to the Hebrews. 27. Two of Peter, three of John, one of Jude, one of James, and one book of the Revelation of John. So there are twenty-seven books, on condition that the churches overseas be consulted about confirming this canon. The passions of the martyrs may also be read when their anniversary days are celebrated.

### Scripture references

- Gen 1–Gen:50: allusion, high confidence
- Exod 1–Exod:40: allusion, high confidence
- Lev 1–Lev:27: allusion, high confidence
- Num 1–Num:36: allusion, high confidence
- Deut 1–Deut:34: allusion, high confidence
- Josh 1–Josh:24: allusion, high confidence
- Judg 1–Judg:21: allusion, high confidence
- Ruth 1–Ruth:4: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Sam 1–1Sam:31: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Sam 1–2Sam:24: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Kgs 1–1Kgs:22: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Kgs 1–2Kgs:25: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Chr 1–1Chr:29: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Chr 1–2Chr:36: allusion, high confidence
- Job 1–Job:42: allusion, high confidence
- Ps 1–Ps:150: allusion, high confidence
- Prov 1–Prov:31: allusion, high confidence
- Eccl 1–Eccl:12: allusion, high confidence
- Song 1–Song:8: allusion, high confidence
- Hos 1–Hos:14: allusion, high confidence
- Joel 1–Joel:3: allusion, high confidence
- Amos 1–Amos:9: allusion, high confidence
- Obad 1: allusion, high confidence
- Jonah 1–Jonah:4: allusion, high confidence
- Mic 1–Mic:7: allusion, high confidence
- Nah 1–Nah:3: allusion, high confidence
- Hab 1–Hab:3: allusion, high confidence
- Zeph 1–Zeph:3: allusion, high confidence
- Hag 1–Hag:2: allusion, high confidence
- Zech 1–Zech:14: allusion, high confidence
- Mal 1–Mal:4: allusion, high confidence
- Isa 1–Isa:66: allusion, high confidence
- Jer 1–Jer:52: allusion, high confidence
- Lam 1–Lam:5: allusion, low confidence
- Ezek 1–Ezek:48: allusion, high confidence
- Dan 1–Dan:12: allusion, high confidence
- Esth 1–Esth:10: allusion, high confidence
- Ezra 1–Ezra:10: allusion, medium confidence
- Neh 1–Neh:13: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 1–Matt:28: allusion, high confidence
- Mark 1–Mark:16: allusion, high confidence
- Luke 1–Luke:24: allusion, high confidence
- John 1–John:21: allusion, high confidence
- Acts 1–Acts:28: allusion, high confidence
- Rom 1–Rom:16: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 1–1Cor:16: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Cor 1–2Cor:13: allusion, high confidence
- Gal 1–Gal:6: allusion, high confidence
- Eph 1–Eph:6: allusion, high confidence
- Phil 1–Phil:4: allusion, high confidence
- Col 1–Col:4: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Thess 1–1Thess:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Thess 1–2Thess:3: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 1–1Tim:6: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Tim 1–2Tim:4: allusion, high confidence
- Titus 1–Titus:3: allusion, high confidence
- Phlm 1: allusion, high confidence
- Heb 1–Heb:13: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Pet 1–1Pet:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Pet 1–2Pet:3: allusion, high confidence
- 1 John 1–1John:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 John 1: allusion, high confidence
- 3 John 1: allusion, high confidence
- Jude 1: allusion, high confidence
- Jas 1–Jas:5: allusion, high confidence
- Rev 1–Rev:22: allusion, high confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Tob (Tobit): allusion, high confidence
- Jdt (Judith): allusion, high confidence
- 1 Macc (1 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence
- 2 Macc (2 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence
- Wis (Wisdom of Solomon): allusion, medium confidence
- Sir (Sirach): allusion, medium confidence
- Bar (Baruch): allusion, low confidence
- 1 Esd (1 Esdras): allusion, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Four books of Kingdoms” are 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings. “Five books of Solomon” are probably Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach, as Augustine counts them. “Two books of Ezra” probably means Ezra and Nehemiah, though some take it to include 1 Esdras. Jeremiah may include Lamentations and Baruch. Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, and 1–2 Maccabees are outside the Protestant canon and are tagged as extrabiblical.
- The numbers count headings, not books; the list includes Hebrews as Paul's (listed separately) and Revelation. The proviso about consulting the churches overseas reflects the council's intention to have the list confirmed by Rome and others.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 47 (Lauchert, 209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-47).

## Canon 48

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-48
- Source: Lauchert, 209–210
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The council will consult Siricius and Simplicianus on whether those baptized as infants among the Donatists may later be ordained; the Mauretanian legates then present their instructions.

### Latin text

De Donatistis placuit, ut consulamus fratres et consacerdotes nostros Siricium et Simplicianum de solis infantibus, qui baptizantur penes eosdem, ne quod suo non fecerunt iudicio, quum ad ecclesiam dei salubri proposito fuerint conversi, parentum illis error impediat, ne promoveantur sacri altaris ministri. Quibus insertis Honoratus et Urbanus episcopi legati provinciae Mauritaniae Sitiphensis dixerunt: lam dudum quum apud sanctitatem vestram allegaremus scripta, dilati sumus ea contemplatione, quod fratres nostri advenire possent de Numidia legati; sed quia non parvi dies sunt, quibus exspectati minime venerunt, ultra praetermittere quae nobis mandata sunt a nostris coépiscopis non oportet: atque ideo, fratres, suggestionem nostram libenter admittite. De fide enim Nicaeni tractatus audivimus, verum et de sacrificiis inhibendis post prandium, ut a ieiunis, sicut dictum est, offerantur, et tunc et nunc firmatum est.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning the Donatists it has pleased that we consult our brothers and fellow priests Siricius and Simplicianus about infants only, who are baptized among them, lest what they did not do by their own judgment, when they have been converted to the church of God with a salutary purpose, their parents' error hinder them from being promoted as ministers of the holy altar. When these things had been inserted, Bishops Honoratus and Urbanus, legates of the province of Mauretania Sitifensis, said: Long ago, when we were presenting our written instructions before your holiness, we were put off in the expectation that our brothers the legates from Numidia might arrive; but since not a few days have passed in which they were awaited and did not come, we ought not to pass over any longer what has been entrusted to us by our fellow bishops; and so, brothers, willingly receive our suggestion. For we have heard the treatment of the Nicene faith; and also, concerning the prohibition of sacrifices after a meal, that they be offered by those who are fasting, as was said, this was confirmed both then and now.

### Translation notes

- Siricius was bishop of Rome (384–399) and Simplicianus bishop of Milan (397–400/401). The Donatists were the rival African church that had separated from the catholics in the early fourth century.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 48 (Lauchert, 209–210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-48).

## Canon 49

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-49
- Source: Lauchert, 210
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who were poor at ordination and buy land in their own name during office must give it to the church; gifts and inheritances they may use as befits their calling.

### Latin text

Placuit, ut episcopi, presbyteri, diaconi vel quicumque clerici, qui nihil habentes ordinantur, et tempore episcopatus vel clericatus sui agros vel quaecumque praedia nomini suo comparant, tanquam rerum dominicarum invasionis crimine teneantur, nisi admoniti in ecclesiam eadem ipsa contulerint. Si autem ipsis proprie aliquid liberalitate alicuius vel successione cognationis venerit, faciant inde quod eorum proposito congruit; quod si a suo proposito retrorsum exorbitaverint, honore ecclesiastico indigni tanquam reprobi iudicentur.

### English translation (Claude)

It has pleased that bishops, presbyters, deacons, or any clergy who are ordained having nothing, and during the time of their episcopate or clerical office buy fields or any estates in their own name, are to be held guilty of the crime of invading the Lord's property, unless, when admonished, they confer those same things on the church. But if something comes to them personally by someone's generosity or by inheritance from relatives, let them do with it what befits their calling; but if they turn back from their calling, let them be judged unworthy of church office as reprobates.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 49 (Lauchert, 210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-49).

## Canon 50

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-50
- Source: Lauchert, 210
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The council closes with the bishops' assent and the subscriptions of Aurelius of Carthage, Epigonius of Bulla Regia and Augustine of Hippo.

### Latin text

Aurelius episcopus dixit: Quoniam igitur universa arbitror fuisse tractata, si omnia cum animo vestro convenerint, sermone vestro cuncta roborate. Universi episcopi dixerunt: Omnibus nobis haec placuerunt et haec nostra subscriptione firmabimus. Et subscripserunt: Aurelius episcopus ecclesiae Carthaginis huic decreto consensi et relecto subscripsi. Epigonius episcopus plebis Bullensis regionis subscripsi. Augustinus episcopus plebis Hipponensium regionum subscripsi. Similiter et omnes episcopi quadraginta quatuor subscripserunt.

### English translation (Claude)

Bishop Aurelius said: Since, then, I think everything has been dealt with, if all things agree with your mind, confirm them all by your word. All the bishops said: All these things have pleased us, and we shall confirm them by our subscription. And they subscribed: I, Aurelius, bishop of the church of Carthage, have consented to this decree and, after it was read again, have subscribed. I, Epigonius, bishop of the people of Bulla Regia, have subscribed. I, Augustine, bishop of the people of Hippo Regius, have subscribed. Likewise all the forty-four bishops also subscribed.

### Translation notes

- The subscriber from Hippo Regius is Augustine, bishop there from 395/396. The heading speaks of forty-seven bishops, the subscription of forty-four.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Carth. III 50 (Lauchert, 210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-carthage-397/0/#p-50).