Page:Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent Buckley.djvu/115

Rh CHAPTER VI. A Bishop shall not he cited in person, save in a Case of Deposition or Deprivation.

But whereas those subject unto a bishop, even though they have been justly chastised, do nevertheless often bear him violent enmity, and, as though they had suffered some wrong, are wont to object false charges against him, in order that they may annoy him by what means soever lie in their power, the fear of which annoyance doth for the most part render him more backward in inquiring into and punishing their delinquencies; therefore, lest a bishop be compelled, both to his own great inconvenience and that of his church, to abandon the flock intrusted to him, and that he may not be forced, to the diminution of the episcopal dignity, to wander about, [the svnod] hath thus ordained and decreed:—A bishop, even though he be proceeded against ex ojfficio, or by way of inquiry, or denunciation, or accusation, or in any other way soever, shall not be cited or admonished to appear in person, except for a cause for which he might come to be deposed from, or deprived of his office.

CHAPTER VII. The Qualifications of Witnesses against a Bishop are described. The witnesses in a criminal cause shall not be received against a bishop, whether for information or proofs, or in any other way touching the leading points of the case, unless their testimonies agree, and they be of good converse, esteem, and reputation; and if they shall have made any deposition through enmity, rashness, or motives of interest, they shall be mulcted in grievous penalties.

CHAPTER VIII. Important Episcopal Causes shall he taken cognisance of by the Supreme Pontiff. The causes of bishops, when, on account of the quality of the crime objected, they have to appear [in person], must be brought before the sovereign pontiff and by him be decided.