In Supremo Apostolatus

In supremo Apostolatus is an Apostolic letter of 3 December 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI. condemned the slave trade. Will be published this letter on the 4th Synod of Baltimore (USA). The letter was not particularly welcomed by the Catholics in Maryland, there was an attempt to conceal the letter of the Pope, the Catholic bishops in America behaved cautious and did not provide any opinion.

Summary

In his greeting, he looks at the biblical mention of slaves and masters. So he cites Eph 6,55 EU, Kol Kol 4.1 and 3.22 EU EU, where the tasks of the slaves were represented. The " gentlemen ", he refers again Ephesians 6.55 and on Mt 25:35 EU, where the responsibility for the men (also " shepherds " ) will called for, and calls on them to comply with the rules. In continuation of his introduction he disapproves of the slave trade and complained that it had just Christian believers that would violate the dictates of humanity and human respect.

He also recalled that several of his predecessors, church scholars and bishops had condemned the state of the slave trade. It refers to the human trafficking as a crime and threatens Christian in his capacity and authority of the Christian faithful sanctions. He prohibited the slave trade and asks the clergy to enforce this statement accordingly. Finally assigns Gregory XVI. that this letter is published on the notice board in all communities.

Two English translations

There are two English translations that differ in one important respect. In the older translation the word unjustly ( unjustly ') is included, which the American Bishops did not order completely to be against slavery. In the recent translation of this word is missing.