Excommunication and, for one’s penance, one year "in the service of God" in Jerusalem or in Spain: it was provided by the Second Lateran Council, in 1139, for pyromaniacs or "arsonists". "With all our forces, and with the authority of God and the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, we condemn and forbid the cruel, devastating and abominable evilness of starting fires", wrote the bishops. In accordance with Canon 18 (see Conciliorum Oecumenicorum Decreta, EDB – Bologna), "this devastating and pernicious scourge" was worst than "any other kind of robbery". "After the promulgation of our prohibition, whoever caused fire with evil intent, by hate or revenge they warned, – or entrusted others with causing it, or was consciously aware of giving advice or help to arsonists, will be excommunicated". "Moreover, if the arsonist dies they added, – he is to be deprived of Christian burial". Absolution was also subject to compensation "for the caused damage", against swearing of "not causing any fires any longer". Furthermore, "for penance, the guilty will have to stay either in Jerusalem or Spain in the service of God, for one whole year". Even the bishops who should "mitigate the rigour of this canon" were warned: "repair the damage, and avoid exercising the Episcopal ministry for one year".
