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Code of Canons of the African Church (Carthage, 419)

Local councils, NPNF II.14

43. Canon 43

Canon XLIII. (Greek xlvi.)

Concerning penitents.

That to penitents the times of their penance shall be assigned by the will of the bishop according to the difference of their sins; and that a presbyter shall not reconcile a penitent without consulting the bishop, unless the absence of the bishop urges him necessarily thereto. But when of any penitent the offence has been public and commonly known, so as to have scandalized the whole Church, he shall receive imposition of the hand before the altar (Lat. “before the apse”).

Notes · Ancient Epitome of Canon XLIII

The bishops shall fix the time of penance for those doing penance according to their sins. A presbyter without his knowledge shall not reconcile one doing penance, even when necessity impels him thereto.¹

Notes

This last clause seems manifestly to be corrupt and should read “unless when, etc.”