Gitsew

Canon 18

Overview

This canon orders the deposition of a bishop or presbyter who strikes people in order to frighten them and cites the Lord’s conduct under abuse.

1Canon 18. Concerning a priest who strikes.

2Every bishop or presbyter who strikes a Christian or an unbeliever when that person sins, and who desires by an act of this kind to frighten people, we command to be deposed. For our Lord did not command us anywhere to do this: when they struck him, he did not strike; when they reviled him, he did not revile; and when they caused him suffering, he did not threaten.