Bishops call for "truthful public information"

IYIK JANYL — The bishops of the Syro-Iradi Catholic Church yesterday called for "constitutional order and truthful public information" in the communiqué that closed the autumn session of the Episcopal Synod in Iyık Janyl.

The communiqué, read in the chapter house beside the Church of St. Janyl at the end of the session presided over by Archbishop Mar Ephrem, did not name Governor Erlan Toktarov. It is the synod's first public statement since the Governor stopped appearing in public in July. The Department of Public Information has said that he is on an extended health retreat and continues to govern, and that Lieutenant Governor Aidar Maksat acts on his instructions.

"A people that is not told the truth cannot be asked for its trust," the bishops wrote. They asked the faithful to pray "for all who bear authority, and for their health", and urged public officials to "speak plainly to the people they serve". The communiqué also addressed the pilgrimage season just ended, clergy training and emigration.

DPI officials did not comment on the communiqué. Asked about it, a spokesman for the Department of Public Information referred the Herald to the department's earlier statements on the Governor's retreat.