Gregory the Great (Wisigothic) → Innocent, Prefect of Africa

I write to you concerning Victor, bishop of Fatianus, whose situation has been brought to my attention. His diocese has, it seems, been subjected to interference — from whose hand I need not specify here, since you will know better than I. What I ask is simple: let the bishop exercise his proper jurisdiction without encroachment. The boundaries of church governance are not to be redrawn by secular authority, however well-intentioned. I know you are a man who respects proper order, and I trust you will see to it that this matter is corrected. The peace of the African church depends in no small part on its pastors being allowed to pastor.