Nismes, Council of

Nismes, Council Of (Concilium leemausense),

(1) was held in July, 1096, by pope Urban II, who presided, assisted by four cardinals and several bishops. Sixteen canons were published, being, for the most part the same with those of the Council of Clermont, which the pope confirmed in all subsequent councils. Of these canon 2 is directed against those who assert that it is not lawful for monks to exercise sacerdotal functions. Canon 12 forbids the marriage of little girls (puellulse) under twelve years of age. Mansi declares that the matter of the clergy of St. Saturninus at Toulouse, who claimed the fourth part of the oblations made in that church, which canonically belonged to the bishop, and was opposed by the bishop Isarne, was discussed in this council; no decision was pronounced in the synod, but subsequently Urban II compelled Isarne to give way. Moreover, in this council king Philip, after having promised to quit Bertrade, was absolved.

(2) Another council was held at the same place about the year 1284. By this body a long constitution was drawn up, relating to baptism, penance, the eucharist, the celebration of the mass, reverence due to churches, alienation of Church property, the conduct of the clergy, wills, burials, tithes, marriages, excommunications and interdicts, perjury, the Jews, and other matters. This is spoken of by ecclesiastics as only a diocesan synod. See Labbe, Concil. 10:604.