Universal Synod of Ingelheim - Topics

Topics

Since 931 the archiepiscopal see was claimed by Hugh of Vermandois and Artald of Reims. Hugh was supported by his uncle, Hugh the Great while Artald was supported by both Louis IV. and Otto the Great. The aforementioned appeared at the synod in person while Hugh the Great was absent and not even substituted for. A clerk of Hugh of Vermandois named Sigbaldus then presented a letter stating that Guy, Bishop of Soissons, Hildegarius of Beauvais, Raoul of Laon and the remaining bishops of the province of Reims had sent letters requesting Hugh be restored to the bishopric of Reims and Artald be expelled. Several of the bishops named stood up and protested they had not seen, nor heard, nor authorized such a letter. Sigbaldus was exiled and it was ruled that the see was to be given to Artald.

The following day Archbishop Robert of Trier stated that because the diocese of Reims had been restored to Artald, the synod should judge the one who invaded that see. The canons of holy law having been read, they decreed that Hugh of Vermandois was excommunicated and removed from the church "until he should do penance and make worthy satisfaction."

Other important matters included consanguineous marriages. In order to inadvertently avoid marrying someone within the prohibited degree of kinship all Christians were strongly recommended to keep a list of their ancestors and that nobles compare such lists before contracting a marriage.

Other subjects included the founding of missionary dioceses in Scandinavia, this fact being the reason for the attendance of the bishops Liopdgad of Ripen, Oredo of Schleswig and Reginbrand of Aarhus. Another issue was to restrict the Ottonic proprieritary church system.