The Life of Augustine of Hippo
Part Three: The Pelagian Crisis (411–430)
Edited By Frederick Van Fleteren
Article 264: Council of Mileve (416)
Extract
ARTICLE 264
Council of Mileve (416)
A provincial council of Numidia, assembled at Mileve, was aware of what the Council of Carthage had done.1 The conciliar fathers believed they should concur and therefore wrote a letter to Innocent. In this letter they indicated the danger of this heresy which denied the necessity of prayer for adults and of baptism for infants. They asked the pope, if Pelagius’ and Caelestius’ salvation could not be procured by correction, the salvation of others should be protected by their condemnation as heretics. This letter was signed by several bishops2—the address of the decree bore sixty-one names. The most well-known are Silvanus of Somme (Zomme), primate of the province, Valentinus of Vaie (Vaiane), later primate, Aurelius of Macomades, Alypius, Augustine, Severus of Mileve, Fortunatus of Cirrthe, Possidius of Calama, Novatus of Stesa (from another province but assisting at the council) Maurentius of Tubursicu, and Anthony of Fussale.3
The letters of both the Councils of Carthage and Mileve were brought to Rome by an African bishop Julius.4 Innocent replied through him and ordered Aurelius to send Julius back.5 Nothing further is known of this bishop unless he is Julian of Tasvalte indicated as present at the conference of Carthage. However, the latter is from Byzacena.6 Since Julius was obliged to return to Rome, the conciliar fathers took the occasion to give him the letters of the two councils.
Baronius relates to this Council of Mileve eight canons...
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