Abtilis
Canon 5
Overview
This canon addresses the conduct of clergy regarding monastic life, prohibiting them from leaving their posts for monastic seclusion without proper authorization and prescribing penalties for disobedience.
1Canon of Abtilis: If a bishop, or a priest, or a deacon leaves his residence on the pretext of piety, and goes as if to be near the desert, let this be done with the consent of his bishop and the consent of those who are with him, so that they may go to the monastery. And if he leaves and deceives, let him not be with them, for he is like one who prays in private. And whoever does this shall be deposed by the people, and he shall be removed from his office. And if he is found guilty of this, let him be removed from his office and deposed.