Hadrian’s Letter on Behalf of the Christians

Hadrian’s Letter on Behalf of the Christians
To Minucius Fundanus

I received the letter written to me by Serenius Granianus, a most distinguished man, whom you succeeded. I do not think the matter should be left unexamined, so that people are not disturbed and an opportunity for wrongdoing is not provided to false accusers.

Therefore, if the people of the province are able to support this demand against the Christians clearly enough that they can answer for it before a tribunal, let them proceed by this means alone, and not by petitions or mere shouting. For it is much more fitting, if anyone wishes to bring an accusation, that you determine the matter judicially.

If, then, someone accuses them and demonstrates that they are doing something contrary to the laws, decide the case according to the seriousness of the offense. But, by Hercules, if anyone brings such a charge merely for the sake of false accusation, give careful consideration to the severity of that wrongdoing and see to it that you punish it.