CHAPTER 15: He regains his see [669]
CHAPTER 15
He regains his see [669]
AFTER three years had gone by, Archbishop Theodore1 came from Kent to the king of Bernicia and Deira bringing with him from Rome the decrees of the Apostolic See. As soon as he set foot in the kingdom he was told how canon law had been flouted, one bishop, like a thief, grabbing another’s diocese. He did not take this lightly. Chad was deposed. Being an extremely meek man and a true servant of God, he realized he had acted wrongly in being consecrated by those Quartodecimans to someone else’s see, humbly confessed his fault, accepted the judgement of the bishops, and did penance. It was with Chad’s consent then that Theodore installed Wilfrid in york. Our holy bishop returned not wrong for wrong but good for evil, following the Lord’s command and David’s dealing with Saul where he says: ‘I shall not lay my hand upon the Lord’s anointed.’2 His devoted friend Wulfhere had given him Lichfield in Mercia, a place highly suitable for an episcopal see either for himself or anyone he might choose to give it to. So he made overtures of peace to Chad, who was ready to pay the bishops complete obedience. They ordained him through all the ecclesiastical degrees till he was fully consecrated bishop and installed him at Lichfield, where he was given an honourable welcome by the king. He lived a holy life rich in good works and, in due course, went to his fathers, to await the coming of the Lord in that judgement which, for him, ought to be extremely lenient.