Peace of God Decree

Movement toward this decree began at the council at Le Puy in 975, followed by the councils at Charoux (c 989), Limoges (994 and 1031), Potiers (c 100), and Bourges (1038). The Peace of God Decree was the response of the medieval Roman Catholic Church to the breakdown of public order. The Peace of God Decree forbade, under threat of excommunication, private warfare or violence against churches, clerics, merchants, pilgrims, women, peasants, and cattle. Priests and monks were prohibited from participating in warfare and war could not be conducted in consecrated places such as churches. (See Truce of God)

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