[t]he temples of the idols in that nation [england] ought not to be destroyed; but let the idols that are in them be destroyed; let holy water be made and sprinkled in the said temples, let altars be erected, and relics placed. for if those temples are well built, it is requisite that they be converted from the worship of devils to the service of the true god; that the nation, seeing that their temples are not destroyed, may remove error from their hearts, and knowing and adoring the true god, may the more familiarly resort to the places to which they have been accustomed.”
- “advice to the english church,“ pope gregory, 601

according to pope gregory

a)
anything associated with english paganism must be eliminated.

b)
the rebuilding of english temples will show the might of the christian church.

c)
if certain pagan traditions are kept, christianity will be more easily accepted by the english.

d)
english temples must remain completely unchanged because of fears of pagan resistance to christianity.