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

Local councils, NPNF II.14

76. Canon 76

Canon LXXVI. (Greek lxxix.)

Of bishops who do not put in an appearance at Council.

Item, it seemed good that as often as the council is to be assembled, the bishops who are impeded neither by age, sickness, or other grave necessity, come together, and that notice be given to the primates of their several provinces, that from all the bishops there be made two or three squads, and of each of these squads there be elected some who shall be promptly ready on the council day: but should they not be able to attend, let them write their excuses in the tractory,¹ or if after the coming of the tractory certain necessities suddenly arise by chance, unless they send to their own primate an account of their impediment, they ought to be content with the communion of their own Church.

Notes · Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXVI

Those who do not attend the annual synod, unless they be involuntarily prevented, must be satisfied with the communion of their own churches.

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