Calling a Synod in 1002

"Midst the diverse headaches caused by disorder we are unable to attain the inward harbor of joyfulness, because we see clergymen of all grades neglecting the precepts of the Catholic religion.  This knowledge has, in fact, deprived us of sleep, while tears flow in rivers down our cheeks and we gasp for breath. [Ps. 6:7, Ps. 119:136]

"Of what moment is it to speak of the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8, Matt. 28:19] when your principality, our very neighbor, does not blush to sell openly the sanctuaries of God through its bishops, when your bishops and priests all openly secure wives, and, like money-changers [Matt. 21:12] and money-lenders, pursue worldly wealth, making use of lay business for the divine office?  Assuredly, the coals of this wickedness are being heaped upon your head [Rom. 12:20], for you must exterminate this iniquity.  You, on whom God bestowed power ought not to be thus forgetful of that same God."

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"Let the rules of the canons guide you.  Exercise your impartiality strictly and the power of a Catholic prince piously with regard to the acceptance of [proper] persons [at synod] and [let there be] no simoniacal giving of gifts but only the tradition handed down by the holy fathers."

- Pope Sylvester II (Gerbert of Aurillac), letters to St. Peter Urseolus, Doge of Venice and monk, and to Vitale IV, patriarch of Grado, ca. January 1002, instructing them to call a provincial synod concerning the reform of the clergy, translated by Harriet Pratt Lattin, Letter 256 in the English translation, Letters of Gerbert of Aurillac.