Priests may not make any statements to the mass media without episcopal coordination and blessing in advance, as decided by the Synod of the Orthodox Church, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Considering the numerous speculations and interpretations circulated in the media and which damaged the reputation of the Orthodox Church in Moldova, it has been decided that the clerics making statements without episcopal coordination and blessing in advance will be disciplined”, said the Metropolitan Church of Moldova. The proposal was adopted unanimously and became effective upon adoption on November 13. Recently, a TV channel aired a program showing the riches owned by the clergy. Later, a group of priests held a press conference to state that, while a very limited number of priests did own lavish cars and houses, the greatest majority of priests barely made ends meet and it was wrong to judge them.