Galerius permits Christian assemblies again
About this date: The edict belongs to the final year of Galerius's life; toleration remained uneven in territories ruled by other emperors.
An imperial edict permits Christians to exist and re-establish assemblies, asking them to pray for the rulers and the state. Eusebius preserves a Greek version of the Latin document.
Historical context
The reversal follows years of persecution. Its resentful language reveals that toleration could be granted for political reasons without acceptance of Christian claims.
Key points
- The edict recalls earlier efforts to enforce conformity.
- It allows renewed assembly subject to order.
- It requests Christian prayer for public welfare.
People
- Galerius
Sources and further reading
- Church History VIII.17
Greek rendering of the toleration edict.