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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 6, Of the Death of Bishop Theodosius, and Concerning His Successor

Theodosius, bishop of Rodez, successor to the holy Dalmatius,¹ died. The sharp rivalries and scandalous deeds over the succession in this church reached such a pitch that it was almost stripped of its sacred vessels and of its more valuable goods. The priest Transobad was rejected, and the choice fell on Innocentius, count of Javols,² who was supported by Queen Brunhild’s influence. But no sooner had he assumed office, than he began to harass Ursicinus, bishop of Cahors, accusing him of having usurped parishes belonging to the church of Rodez. The dispute dragged on, and grew more bitter. When it had lasted some years, the metropolitan³ convened the bishops of the province in council at Clermont. They decided that Ursicinus should keep possession of parishes which had never belonged to Rodez in the memory of man. The decision was obeyed.

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