Canon 9

 

Let laymen not appoint clerics as administrators or accountants.

 

Mettum, bishop Cannensis, said: it is rightly established that those who are charged with the affairs of others should not be ordained.

Nevertheless, if they are freed from this obligation, they should both show their gratitude and refrain from what clerics should not do.

And other people should not choose our clerics as salesclerks or accountants.

Bishop Gratus said: it is obvious to everyone that when lords, administrators and whoever is in charge hear the most salutary decisions of this council, and are instructed, and nothing obstructs them, they will stop doing injustice towards our clerics.

And if they think that they can bother clerics disregarding the imperial constitutions, he will be punished by the Church [defensio ecclesiastica non deerit] and the public decency will also be vindicated.

All said: such most salutary provisions should be preserved by the council.

(trans. S. Adamiak)