This begins a series on the council of Neocaesarea in Pontus. This council followed Ancyra but predated the others.1
If a presbyter marry, let him be removed from his order; but if he commit fornication or adultery, let him be altogether cast out and put to penance.
This canon echoes a sentiment behind Ancyra - Canon 10 concerning matrimony for church leaders. This canon gave a strict ruling in regards to elders for either marriage or sexual sin. To the former, the council required that the elder be removed from his position in the church, though some measure of respect would continue based on wisdom and experience. As for the latter case, the elder was removed from communion altogether. This rule recognized the severity of sin in spiritual leaders, and the need to deal with it "in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear " (1 Tim 5:20).
1 The Seven Ecumenical Councils, (NPNF2 14:78).
If a presbyter marry, let him be removed from his order; but if he commit fornication or adultery, let him be altogether cast out and put to penance.
This canon echoes a sentiment behind Ancyra - Canon 10 concerning matrimony for church leaders. This canon gave a strict ruling in regards to elders for either marriage or sexual sin. To the former, the council required that the elder be removed from his position in the church, though some measure of respect would continue based on wisdom and experience. As for the latter case, the elder was removed from communion altogether. This rule recognized the severity of sin in spiritual leaders, and the need to deal with it "in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear " (1 Tim 5:20).
1 The Seven Ecumenical Councils, (NPNF2 14:78).
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