dec 31, 314 - 1st Synod of Arles

Description:

The first council of Arles[1] took place a year after the Edict of Milan, in which Christianity became a legal religion. This council was the first called by Constantine and is the forerunner of the First Council of Nicaea.

First mention of a Bishop of Aquileia, Theodorus.

It had the following outcomes:

Conscientious objectors would be excommunicated.

Easter should be held on the same day throughout the world, rather than being set by each local church.

Donatism was condemned as a heresy and Donatus Magnus was excommunicated. This had begun as an appeal by the Donatists to Constantine the Great against the decision of a synod in Rome in 313 at the Lateran under Pope Miltiades. The appeal had turned out unfavorably to the Donatists who afterwards became enemies of the Roman authorities.

Canon against the non-residence of clergy,

Canon against participation in races and gladiatorial fights (to be punished by excommunication),

Canon against the rebaptism of heretics,

Clergymen who could be proven to have delivered sacred books in persecution (the traditores) should be deposed, but their official acts were to be held valid.

Ordination required the assistance of at least three bishops.

Excommunication of all actors[4]

Canons on other matters of discipline.

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