On the Veneration of Saints

Claudius of Turin
(Archbishop of Turin in Italy, 810 - 827ad)

Excerpt from: "The Martyrdom of a People: or The Vaudois of Piedmont and their History" by Henry Fliedner

"If one adores all wood in the form of a cross, because Christ was crucified, one should adore all mangers because Jesus was placed in one; one should also adore asses, because Jesus rode on one; and the same with boats, since often He spoke to the people from a boat. We have not received a command to worship the cross, but to carry it and to deny ourselves."

"At the commencement of the middle ages, when the Christian Church was rapidly being transformed into a Papal Church, there was at Turin a man who opposed the invading corruption with all his power. This was Claudius, Archbishop of Turin.

The Emperor Louis, the pious son and successor of Charlemagne, had raised Claudius from the dignity of Court Chaplain to the Archiepiscopal seat, that he might use his influence, being well versed in the Scriptures, against the growing superstitions of the Italian people.

This he did with great spiritual force, both by word and by his pen. 'If,' he insisted, 'those who have abandoned the worship of idols, venerate the images of saints, they have not forsaken idolatry, but they have only changed the label. Whoever does not show the faith and virtue by which the Saints became pleasing to God, he cannot be saved.' By such-like incisive and truly evangelical words, he combated the worship of saints and the adoration of images. 'If one adores all wood in the form of a cross, because Christ was crucified, one should adore all mangers because Jesus was placed in one; one should also adore asses, because Jesus rode on one; and the same with boats, since often He spoke to the people from a boat. We have not received a command to worship the cross, but to carry it and to deny ourselves.' He opposed the arrogance of the Pope, who caused himself to be addressed Apostolic Lord, and the pilgrimages to Rome, which had no other reason than a misconception of the words of Christ, 'Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build My church.'

One can easily understand that this reforming zeal brought much enmity and annoyance to the devoted Archbishop. He lamented it, and said, "Whosoever catches sight of me, mocks me and points the finger at me. When I was forced to take the responsibility of a pastor on my arrival in Italy, I found, contrary to the true doctrine, the churches filled with the refuse of ex-votos.

As I, quite alone, set myself to destroy that which all venerated, I was slandered by all; if the Lord had not come to my aid, they would have swallowed me up alive. The Father of mercies and consolation strengthened me in my misery; by Him I was sustained in all my trials, armed with the armour of Divine justice, and protected by the helmet of salvation."

... He was not content with protesting, but applied himself to explain the Bible to the people. And it was not in vain. Later Roman Catholic historians complained that his errors were propagated by his disciples."