The Synod of Auxerre

This was a diocesan synod held in Auxerre, France,
in 585 or 588 AD.

Canon 21. It is not allowed for any presbyter, after having received the blessing of ordination, to sleep in the same bed with his presbytera or to unite in carnal sin [with her]; nor may a deacon or subdeacon.”

For more information on clergy wives, see here.

Canon 36. “No woman may receive the holy eucharist with bare hands.”

Canon 37. “Also she may not touch the sacred linen”.

Canon 42. “Every woman must have her dominicale [= a linen cloth to cover her hand] at communion”.

Source: J. v. Hefele, Conciliengeschichte, 2nd ed. (Freiburg, 1873-1890), vol. 3, pp. 45f.

It is interesting to note that an earlier bishop of Auxerre, Germanus (378-448), had, according to legend, ordained St Genevieve of Paris a deacon around the year 440.


Please, credit this document
as published by www.womenpriests.org!