Pope Alexander III informs the bishops, abbots, archdeacons, deans and other prelates of churches in Scotland, that at the Lateran Council [in 1139] it was decreed that whoever perpetrated violence against clerics should be excommunicated, and can be released from that sentence only by the Roman pontiff or at his command. He decrees that all parishioners be warned, under the threat of anathema, not to harm clerics, especially the brothers of Holm Cultram. If anyone refuses to obey, the addressees should publicly proclaim him to be excommunicated.
Firm date
1175 X 30 August 1181
Dating Notes
Based on a privilege for Holm Cultram granted 1175 × 1181; see _Scot. Pont._, no. 98