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Hi Lena, Despite Geoffrey of Vendôme's characterization, it wasn't novum, nec inauditum. The practice, known as syneisaktism, has been said to have existed in Christianity nearly as long as the religion itself (1 Corinthians 7.36-38, 9.5 may refer to it). Cyprian condemned it, as did Jerome, Chrysostom, and over 20 councils and synods between 267 and 787. A variety of references in the 12th century, some (like Geoffrey, and also Bernard of Clairvaux) hostile, but not all, and there are also several references in Irish texts throughout the Middle Ages reflecting a fairly diverse perspective on the practice. In addition to the Gougaud article Meg mentioned, you may also want to look at Roger Reynolds, "Virgines Subintroductae in Celtic Christianity," Harvard Theological Review 61 (1968): 547-66; Rosemary Rader, Breaking Boundaries; and Jo Ann McNamara, Sisters in Arms, and "Chaste Marriage and Clerical Celibacy," in Sexual Practices and the Medieval Church. Maeve > > >A more specific accusation made, however is that he is seeking out a >new and unheard-of martyrdom (novum et inauditum genus martyrii) by >lying among the women at night, as a test of his ascetism. This >seems to ring a bell, I remember something of the kind in The Name >of the Rose, where similar accusations against 14th century heretics >are mentioned (homo nudus cum nuda iacebat et non commiscebantur ad >invicem). Does anyone know when such accusations first started to be >made? It must spring, I suppose, from the sheer unexpectedness of a >preacher travelling around with members of the opposite sex. (Rather >like when Scandinavian backpackers started invading the >Mediterranean in mixed, though often innocent, company). Is this a >new phenomenon in the 12th century? > >Anyway, Geoffrey's letter makes it clear that as far as Robert is >concerned we are dealing with unsubstantiated rumours. > >Lena Wahlgren-Smith > >