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[Capitulum secundum cod. R] XII [sic!]. Si clerecus pecuniarum usuras accipiant.

[Capitulum secundum codd. A, Q, et S] XIII. De usurariis.

Illud etiam secundum scripturarum auctoritatem uel patrum constitutionem addendum credidimus, ut ne quis clericus qui negotiandi studium habere uoluerit, usuras accipiat, quia scriptum est: qui pecuniam suam non dedit ad usuram, et alio loco: in plateis eius usura et dolus. Manifestum est enim beatitudinis non posse consequi gloriam qui a praeceptis diuinis deuiauerit.

(ed. Munier 1963: 147, 149)

[Title according to cod. R] XII [sic!]. [What to do] if a cleric accepts money as usury.

[Title according to codd. A, Q, and S] XIII. On usurers.

We also believe it worthwhile to add, following the authority of the scriptures and the constitutions of the fathers, that no cleric who wants to engage in business activity should accept usury, because it is written: "He that putteth not out his money to usury" (Ps. 14:5) and in the other place: "On their streets usury and deceit" (Ps. 54:12). For it is evident that no one can follow the glory of beatitude who detours from the divine precepts.

(trans. J. Szafranowski)

Discussion:

Lending money at interest was forbidden beforehand by the first council of Nicaea (325 AD, canon 17), to the acts of which may apply the words “constitutions of the fathers”. Hefele (1895:11) suggests that usura here may also be translated as profit – clerics can buy and sell, but they cannot make any profit from it.

Place of event:

Region

Gaul

City

Tours

About the source:

Title: First Council of Tours, Concilium Turonense I anno 461
Origin: Tours (Gaul)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian

The council of Tours of AD 461 took place on the 18th of November of 461, when some bishops had gathered in Tours to celebrate the feast of St. Martin the week earlier. The canons were signed by eight bishops, including one described as `of the Britons`, and one presbyter acting in his bishop`s stead. Characteristic of the acts of this synod is the frequent quoting of the Holy Scriptures.

Edition:

Ch. Munier ed., Concilia Galliae a. 314-a. 506, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 148, Turnhoult 1963.

Bibliography:

C.J. Hefele, A History of the Councils of the Church from the Original Documents, trans. W.R. Clark, Edinburgh 1895, v. 4.

Categories:

Described by a title - Clericus

Economic status and activity - Buying & selling

Economic status and activity - Loans

Livelihood/income

Private law - Ecclesiastical

Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: J. Szafranowski, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER840, http://www.presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=840