Around this time someone close to Sverre wrote a speech against the bishops, "En tale mot biskopene". In this work, the unknown author discussed the relationship between King and Church. By referring to well known theological works such as the "Decretum Gratiani" and the writings of Augustine of Hippo, the author attempted to prove that the excommunication of Sverre was unjust and thus not binding. The author also tried to defend the right of Sverre to appoint bishops. To support this view he had to interpret Norwegian law, since the Church had long considered this to be simony. By now Sverre had his hands full with the church-supported Bagler rising, and the direct struggle with the church became a sideshow, at least for him personally.