The third Council of Paris.
THe Archbishops of Bourges, of Roan, and of Bourdeaux were present at this Council, together with thirteen Bishops. It was held under King Childebert towards the year 557. It made ten * 1.1 Canons.
The first is a long Canon against those who detain the Possessions belonging to the Church.
The second is against those who invade the Possessions of the Church.
The third is against those Bishops who seek after the Possessions of another.
The fourth forbids to marry the Widow of his Brother, his Father, or his Uncle, his Wives Si∣ster, her Daughter-in-law, her Aunt, the Daughter of her Daughter-in-law, &c.
The fifth is against those who take away by force, or desire in marriage Virgins consecrated to God.
The sixth forbids, to desire of the Prince to grant Maids or Widows against the Consent of their Kinsfolk.
The seventh renews the Prohibition of receiving any Person Excommunicated by his Bishop.
The eighth forbids to constitute any one Bishop over the People against their will. It Ordains that there shall be a Choice made with perfect freedom by the People and the Clergy; that he shall not be appointed by the Order of the Prince, nor ordain'd against the Judgment of the Metropolitan.
The ninth Ordains that the Children of Slaves to whom Liberty has been granted on condition that they pay some Service, shall be oblig'd to Discharge this Office to which they were design'd.
The tenth is, That these Canons shall be sign'd by the Bishops.