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ID
ER 1250
Tertullian writes about the monogamy of the bishops, presbyters and deacons, and their authority over the marriages of the faithful. Tertullian, "On Monogamy", Carthage (North Africa), ca AD 217.
Chapter 11
 
1. Vt igitur in domino nubas secundum legem et apostolum (si tamen uel hoc curas), qualis es id matrimonium postulans quod eis a quibus postulas non licet habere, ab episcopo monogamo, a presbyteris et diaconis eiusdem sacramenti, a uiduis, quarum sectam in te recusasti?
 
(ed. Dekkers 1954: 1244)
Chapter 11
 
1. Grant, now, that you marry "in the Lord," in accordance with the law and the apostle - if, notwithstanding, you care even about this - with what face do you request a matrimony which is unlawful to those of whom you request it; of a monogamist bishop, of presbyters and deacons bound by the same solemn engagement, of widows whose Order you have in your own person
refused?
 

Discussion:

It is not clear what exactly "requesting a matrimony" means. Thelwall adds in his translation the words "requesting (the solemnizing of) a matrimony", but the expression may refer only to some kind of general authority of the clergy over the moral life of the laity, and not to any actual ceremony.

Place of event:

Region
  • Latin North Africa

About the source:

Author: Tertullian
Title: On Monogamy, De monogamia
Origin: Carthage (Latin North Africa)
Denomination: Montanist
Tertullian was born and active in Carthage (North Africa). He was most probably trained as a lawyer. He converted to Christianity before AD 197. His rigorist views drew him towards the Montanists (before AD 207), and eventually he distanced himself even from them, creating a party of his own. He died after AD 220. He may have been a presbyter [402]. He left many writings, both from the Catholic and Montanist period.
“On Monogamy” was written in the mature Montanist period. It decries second marriage (after being widowed) as fornication.
Edition:
E. Dekkers ed., Q.S.Fl. Tertulliani De monogamia, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 2, Turnhout 1954, 1227-1253.

Categories:

Family life - Marriage
    Family life - Permanent relationship before ordination
      Family life - Permanent relationship after ordination
        Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος
          Impediments or requisits for the office - Marriage
            Ritual activity - Blessing marriages
              Pastoral activity - Teaching
                Pastoral activity - Spiritual direction
                  Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: S. Adamiak, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER1250, http://presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=1250
                  Record by: Stanisław Adamiak
                  last edited: 2018-07-25 10:32:32
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