Gregory the Great (Wisigothic) → Zittanus
Tradução moderna em inglês
Gregory to Zittanus, military commander.
I want to be clear on a point that has apparently caused some confusion: the obligation to pay legitimate taxes extends to clergy and religious people, not just to ordinary citizens. The church does not claim exemption from civil obligations that apply generally, except in cases where specific exemptions have been properly granted.
I say this not to undermine the church's interests but to clarify them. An unjust exemption is not something the church should seek; it damages our credibility and gives legitimate grounds for resentment. What we claim, and what we are prepared to argue for, are exemptions that have been properly established by law and custom. Nothing beyond that.
Act accordingly in the cases that come before you. Gregory
Texto latino / grego
AD ZITTANUM MAGISTRUM MILITUM. Fatetur persolvenda etiam a religiosis tribula, Gregorius * Zittano magistro militum, Epistolas vestras Grazco sermone dictalas me in- dico $uscepisse, in quibus dicitis quod@uzdam reli- | giosa loca Þ responsum juri publico de rebus ei com- petentibus reddere contemnant. Qua res me omnino contristavit, quia nostri est habitus non solum pree- judicia minime ſacere, $ed etiam facta zquanimiter porlare, nisi ſorte quod res pauperum defendere ra» tionabiliter cogimur, ne apud omvipotentem Deum culpabiles inveniri valeamus. Proinde Fantino de- ſensori que scripserim gloriz veslre tran-misi , ut ipse religios0s quosque in Panormitanis partibus apud electos judices venire compellat , et 8uorum actuum rationem reddant. Omnipotens Deus celestis C vobis misericordiz largitatem prebeat, ut per cuncta que agitis ejus gratie Serviatis. © Mense Maio in- dict. 5.