Forasmuch as, either from necessity, or through the urgency of individuals, many things have been done contrary to the Ecclesiastical canon, so that men just converted from heathenism to the faith, and who have been instructed but a little while, are straightway brought to the spiritual laver, and as soon as they have been baptized, are advanced to the episcopate or the presbyterate, it has seemed right to us that for the time to come no such thing shall be done. For to the catechumen himself there is need of time and of a longer trial after baptism. For the apostolical saying is clear, “Not a novice; lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into condemnation and the snare of the devil.” But if, as time goes on, any sensual sin should be found out about the person, and he should be convicted by two or three witnesses, let him cease from the clerical office. And whoso shall transgress these will imperil his own clerical position, as a person who presumes to disobey the great Synod.
Prior to Constantine receiving the throne of Rome, times were difficult for Christians due to alternating periods of persecution from the highest authorities to laws placing believers in a second-class position within the empire. As a result, church leaders were either killed or left for a time to avoid the stress on the church, family, or person. Since churches still needed to be led and heresies turned back, the believers were faced with a temptation to fill the leadership vacuum. As per Paul's instruction to Timothy, the canon lays down that the new convert needs time, undoubtedly to grow spiritually. The council members recognized the possibility of sin becoming manifest in the new leader, and gave instruction as to what should happen. Finally, a warning was given against those who would not follow this instruction.
Prior to Constantine receiving the throne of Rome, times were difficult for Christians due to alternating periods of persecution from the highest authorities to laws placing believers in a second-class position within the empire. As a result, church leaders were either killed or left for a time to avoid the stress on the church, family, or person. Since churches still needed to be led and heresies turned back, the believers were faced with a temptation to fill the leadership vacuum. As per Paul's instruction to Timothy, the canon lays down that the new convert needs time, undoubtedly to grow spiritually. The council members recognized the possibility of sin becoming manifest in the new leader, and gave instruction as to what should happen. Finally, a warning was given against those who would not follow this instruction.
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