A Laudable Election

Letter 3,46 - to the clergy of the church of Salona. July 593.

"In reading again the letter of your Beloved selves, we have learnt that you have elected your archdeacon, Honoratus. Know that this was welcome to us in every way, as you have elected to the rank of bishop a man long since known, with a strict morality. We also approve of this person, which has for some time been well known to us, and we wish to consecrate him as your bishop in accordance with your desire,
In this matter, we advise that you should persist in his election without any ambiguity, nor should any matter turn you away from this person. For just as that laudable election is now approved of, even so, if anyone (Heaven forbid!) should persuade your Beloved to give up your support for him, you will impose trouble on your soul and a stigma of faithlessness on your reputation.
But we have given a warning through Antoninus, our sub-deacon, that those who, without consideration, disagree with the general acceptance of your choice, should be able to agree with you."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 265.