Information Service of COMMUNIQUE OF THE DIOCESE OF BACKA Since, unfortunately, various false information and speculations appeared in the public regarding the manner of the marking of razzia in Novi Sad (the final outcome of the discussion between the authorised representatives of the Church, Jewish community and the city authorities will be known tomorrow, on January 22, after the second session of the organisational board in charge of the marking of the anniversary of razzia in Novi Sad) we have been authorised to present to the public the letter of His Grace Irinej, Bishop of Backa, sent to Mr Borislav Novakovic, the Mayor of Novi Sad, on January 19, so that this issue could be properly understood and so that further manipulations and scandalous insinuations - such as "The Church against Mr Canak" - should be prevented: ORTHODOX BISHOP OF Executive Board of the Assembly of the City of Novi Sad Dear Mr Novakovic, As to Your attitude regarding the programme of this year's marking of the anniversary of razzia in Novi Sad, We would like to inform you of the following: Based on our telephone conversation, as well as on the report of the representatives of the Diocese of Backa present at the session of the Organisational Board in charge of the marking of the anniversary of razzia in Novi Sad (held yesterday, on January 18), We have reached the conclusion that You, as well as some other members of the Board, think that you can one-sidedly decide and change - both the concept and the contents of - the programme and protocol of the marking of razzia in Novi Sad, unaltered for years, without prior consultations and agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church/the Diocese of Backa, and the Jewish community, even without informing them of any changes. Consequently, the session of the Board in charge of the marking of the anniversary of razzia in Novi Sad does not give us the opportunity to discuss, agree and jointly decide on everything, even on possible changes of the programme and protocol, but it appears to be a forum that should adopt previously agreed programme and protocol. We have been forced to inform You that we are unable to participate in this event. We will perform memorial service for the repose of the souls of all the innocent victims of razzia in Novi Sad, God willing, in agreement with the Jewish community, namely we will mark the religious and spiritual aspect of this anniversary. If You are willing, as I hope You would be, to contribute that the two programmes - spiritual and worldly - be complementary in the future, We would suggest that the two of us discuss the best forms of the practical implementation of the new model on Monday morning. We would like to propose that yourself, rabbi of Yugoslavia and my humble self with one or two associates attend this meeting. Kindest regards and best wishes, Bishop of Backa |
