Zosimus and Ravenna: Conflict in the Roman Church in the Early Fifth Century

Abstract

One of the little known incidents from the episcopate of Zosimus in Rome between 417 and 418 concerns clergy from his own church. From Ep. 14 (JK 345) (Ex relatione), written shortly before Zosimus’ death, we read that a couple of groups of them had gone to the imperial court with a complaint against their bishop. One group had been excommunicated already and in this letter Zosimus threatens the same fate on the other. Their action had been contrary to established canons. Although the letter tells us nothing further, we are able to place this into the context of what we know about ecclesiastical complaint procedures to establish how limited the options were for clergy to complain against their bishops, especially when they came from Rome itself, and how this incident fits into a growing pattern of recourse to civil authority to arbitrate in internal conflict. The possibility of a connection with the division of the Roman clergy in the light of Zosimus’ treatment of the Pelagian controversy is also considered. The letter indicates just how widespread was the discontent with Zosimus’ leadership style late antique churches in the West.

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