Forasmuch as many enrolled among the Clergy, following covetousness and lust of gain, have forgotten the divine Scripture, which says, “He hath not given his money upon usury,”1 and in lending money ask the hundredth of the sum,2 the holy and great Synod thinks it just that if after this decree any one be found to receive usury, whether he accomplish it by secret transaction or otherwise, as by demanding the whole and one half, or by using any other contrivance whatever for filthy lucre’s sake, he shall be deposed from the clergy and his name stricken from the list.
The underlying point of this canon lies within God's view of concern for his people. Only those who are without would need a load to "get over the hump," and these occurrences come upon Christians. Loaning money at interest adds a burden on the needy and demonstrates greed latent within the heart. If any church leader should be found to be doing so, his position was forfeit.
1 Lev 25:37
2 As monthly interest
The underlying point of this canon lies within God's view of concern for his people. Only those who are without would need a load to "get over the hump," and these occurrences come upon Christians. Loaning money at interest adds a burden on the needy and demonstrates greed latent within the heart. If any church leader should be found to be doing so, his position was forfeit.
1 Lev 25:37
2 As monthly interest
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