(339-397 CE)
“The Emperor is within the Church, not above it… I say this with all humility, so also, I state it with firmness. Some threaten us with fire, sword, exile; we have learnt as servants of Christ not to fear.”
(Letter XXI, no. 37—Sermon against Auxentius)
Ambrose of Milan is well known for his role in the conversion of Augustine. At the same time, a close reading of his life reveals a political spirituality which offers us insights for dealing with modern day situations. The above-mentioned quote forms part of a sermon opposing the attempt by emperor Valentinian to take over the Portian Basilica in Milan. The emperor was only fourteen years old; real power lay with his mother Justina, who was an Arian. She sought to strengthen Arianism in Milan by bringing the Arian bishop Auxentius and wanted to offer him the Portian Basilica—a Basilica used by the Catholics. After three unsuccessful attempts to usurp the basilica, the emperor and his mother gave up their efforts. This and other incidents from Ambrose’s life led to the emergence of a spirituality of political engagement which demarcated the domains of both, the church and the state.
Ambrose was born into a political family in the year 339. His father was the praefectus praetorio in Gaul. They had been Christians for generations and among their ancestors was the martyr Soteris. However, in keeping with tradition, Ambrose delayed his baptism until he was an adult. A good education in philosophy, rhetoric and literature prepared him for the juridical service of the state. By 370 he was the governor of a province which had Milan as its capital. In 374, while exercising his duties in enforcing order during the election of a new bishop, he himself was unanimously elected as the bishop by the different factions of the city.
