The Albigensians: Their Origins and the Action of the Church in the 12th Century

They deplored its evils without bitterness and proposed its reformationIn this context, the author refers to the internal renewal of discipline and morals within the Catholic Church, rather than the later Protestant Reformation. with respect. They also humbly tolerated its delay. Far from wanting to achieve it through a break with the institution, they instead viewed a rupture as the worst of all evils. Amidst these abuses, they admired divine Providence, which knew how to preserve the faith of the Church according to its promises. If the reform of moralsoriginal: "mœurs" seemed to be refused to them, they did not lose their temper. They considered themselves fortunate enough that nothing prevented them from perfecting their own character. These were the strong ones of the Church. No temptation could shake their faith or tear them away from unity.

But besides these, there were proud spirits, full of resentment and error. They were struck by the disorders they saw reigning in the Church, especially among its ministers. They did not believe that the promises of the Church's eternal duration could remain valid among these abuses. They felt this way even though the Son of God had taught respect for the seat of Mosesoriginal: "la chaire de Moyse." A biblical reference to Matthew 23:2, where Jesus instructs his followers to respect the authority of the office even if the individuals holding it are hypocritical. despite the bad works of the teachers and Pharisees sitting upon it. These people, having become proud and therefore weak, succumbed to the temptation that leads to hating the seat of authority