Canon CXXI. (Greek
cxxii.)
Of those who neglect the peoples belonging to them.
Item
, it seemed good that
whoever neglect to bring the places belonging to their see into
Catholic unity should be admonished by the neighbouring diligent
bishops, that they delay no longer to do this; but if within six months
from the day of the convention they do nothing, let them pertain to him
who can win them: but with this proviso however, that if he to
whom it seemed they naturally belonged can prove that this neglect was
intentional and more efficacious in winning them than the greater
apparent diligence of others; when the episcopal judges shall be
convinced that this is the case, they shall restore the places to his
see. If the bishops between whom the cause lies are of different
provinces, let the Primate in whose province the place is situated
about which there is the dispute, appoint judges; but if by mutual
consent they have chosen as judges the neighbouring bishops, let one or
three be chosen: so that if they choose three they may follow the
sentence of all or of two.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
CXXI.
If any neglect what belongs to their jurisdiction, let
them be admonished; and if they shall do nothing within a six month,
let them be adjudged to him who can win them. But if they have
committed the neglect out of policy so as not to irritate the heretics,
and this shall appear to have been the case, their sees shall be
restored to them, by the judgment of the bishops either appointed or
elected.
This is Canon xiij. of Carthage,
a.d.
418.