episodes in the emerging separation of church and state involved Valentinian II, or, more pointedly, his mother, Justina (an Arian Christian), and Theodosius. The first is described in two of Ambrose's letters which will be examined, one to Valentinian in February 386, and another to his own sister, Marcellina, at Easter in the same year. The second is addressed in a letter to Theodosius in 390, following the slaughter of about 7,000 individuals at Thessalonica (Todd, 1977, p. 142).
Valentinian II was only about four years old when he became co-Emperor (with his brother Gratian) in 375. It is quite likely that his mother, Justina, exerted much influence over him, and perhaps provided much, if not most, of the impetus behind the actions of the young ruler. His father, who reigned from 364 until his death, was particularly tolerant of Christianity, and "made a practice of not interfering with the bishops in matters of faith" (Beyenka, 1954, p. 53 (note 1)).
Apparently, the fifteen year-old Valentinian had been encouraged (by his mother?) to bring charges against someone in the church--quite possibly Ambrose himself. Ambrose had been asked by Dalmatius, the Emperor's tribune, to select judges who would serve at the Emperor's pleasure in his consistory, although the final decision would rest with the Emperor (Beyenka, 1954, p. 52).
The eloquent letter to the young Emperor gently reminds him how his father had acted in matters involving the church.
(Y)our father of august memory not only gave his answer by word of mouth (i.e., in person), but sanctioned by law this truth: In a matter of faith or of any Church regulation the decision should be given by him who is neither unsuited to the task nor disqualified by law. These are the words of his decree; in other words, he wished priests to make judgments regarding priests. In fact, if a bishop were accused of any charge and the case of his character needed to be ...