Canon CXX. (Greek
cxxi.)
Of those who intrude upon peoples which they think
belong to them, without the consent of those by whom they are held.
Item
, it seemed good that
whatever bishops seek the peoples whom they consider to pertain to
their see, not by bringing their causes before the episcopal judges,
but rush in while another is holding the place, all such, (whether said
people are willing to receive
them
or no) shall lose their case. And whoever have done this, if the
contention between the two bishops is not yet finished but still going
on, let him depart who intruded without the decree of the
ecclesiastical judges; nor let anyone flatter himself that he will
retain [what he has seized] if he shall obtain letters from the
primate, but whether he has such letters or has them not, it is
suitable that he who holds and receives his letters should make it
appear then that he has held the church pertaining to him
peaceably. But if he has referred any question, let the cause be
decided by the episcopal judges, whether those whom the primates have
appointed for them, or the neighbouring bishops whom they have chosen
by common consent.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
CXX.
Let no one seize for himself what he thinks belongs to
him: but let the bishops judge or whom the Primate will give, or
whom the neighbouring bishops shall give with his consent. But
whosoever has received letters from the primate concerning the keeping
[of such regions and churches] merely deceives himself.
This is Canon xij. of Carthage,
a.d.
418.