The West, though, sought to preserve the connection between initiation and the ministry of the bishop, Pope Innocent I wrote Bishop Decentius of Gubbio in 116: “As to the consignation of the newly baptized, clearly no one other than the bishop is permitted to perform it.” Even so, presbyters frequently also performed this function in Spain, Gaul, and probably in North Africa. Innocent's decree eventually became part of canon law and shaped western practice. Anglicans still follow it faithfully. Roman Catholics have made important exceptions for adult baptisms and for the dying