Caring for Churches, Orphans, and Widows in Late Merovingian Francia. Contemporary and Carolingian Perspectives
Gregory I. Halfond
This study examines the brief reference in early 9th - century Annales Mettenses priores to an ecclesiastical synod ostensibly convoked last decade of 7th by Pippin II. The annals suggest that council's agenda was devoted protection churches, orphans, and widows. While this council is not attested any contemporary sources, Pippin's collaborations with episcopate are well documented, his involvement conciliar convocation possible if demonstrable. Nevertheless, annalist's description more suggestive era which were written-the first century-than late Merovingian Francia, closely echoing both phrasing ideology Charlemagne's imperial capitularies, stressed own responsibility for care vulnerable, a superseded traditional episcopal prerogatives. existence cannot be definitively proven or disproven, its should read context efforts rewrite history from triumphalist Carolingian perspective.
Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique