[Title according to the index of the codices C] III [sic!]. On the presbyters or deacons who said about themselves that they were involved in mortal crimes.

[Title according to the codices of the Fossatensis collection] III [sic!]. On anyone who shortly before or just after ordination for diaconate, presbyterate or episcopacy is under stain of mortal crime, guilty ones certainly should be removed [from the clerical order].

[Title according to the Hispana collection] IV. That a priest or deacon, if he confessed a crime, should be demoted.

[Title according to the collection of codices S. Amandi] IV. [How to proceed], if a bishop, presbyter, or deacon ascribes to himself – truly or falsely – a capital crime.

 

IV. And we decided that it is beneficial for the Church to write it down, oh brothers, so that you know that if anyone shortly before or just after ordination (sub ordinatione) for diaconate, presbyterate or episcopacy confesses that he is polluted by the mortal sin (crimen) he should be removed from office, he should be considered guilty either because his confession is true or because he said a lie. For no one can be absolved, if he said of himself what when said of others is punished, because everyone who is himself a reason for his death, is even more a murderer.

 

(trans. J. Szafranowski)