The Bishop of Kumi Anglican Diocese (COU) has written to seven (7) priests to handover office instruments and Church house to their Parish Priests after they allegedly joined the Reformed Anglican Church (RAC).

On 24th April 2022 a total of close to ten (10) priests decided to join the Reformed Anglican Church (RAC) Upper Nile Diocese while expressing their dissatisfaction with COU Kumi Diocese.

According to the letter by Rev. Okwi Esakhan Micheal to the seven priests and copied to the Provincial Secretary COU Kampala, RDCs and DPCs of Kumi, Ngora and Bukedea, the Diocesan Chancellor, Diocesan Administrator, Head clergy and head of laity Kumi COU, Priests have been asked to handover COU kumi diocese instruments of work, and authority, and house in possession.

The affected Preists include; Rev. G. William Opesen of Okum Okamole Parish, Rev. Samuel Osire Ajeluk Parish, Rev. Emmanuel Ecae Oluniga parish, Rev. Solomon Odeke Kanyum Parish, Rev. Jane Akurut Chaplain Bishop Maraka College, Rev. James Opedun Ariet Parish and Rev. Ignatius Omugen Mukura Parish.

“Following the information that the Diocesan Administration received on 24th April 2022, in which you dully attended and clearly expressed your dissatisfaction from Church of Uganda Diocese of Kumi, having professed joining The Reformed Anglican Church of the Upper Nile and having refused to express your departure in writing as per canon 3:26 of the provincial canons. We hereby advice you to handover church of Uganda Diocese of Kumi instruments of work and authority, and house in your possession to your respected parish priest as soon as possible (seven days) upon receipt of this letter,” the letter reads.

“We also advise you to respect the Anglican faith of Church of Uganda upon departure and follow your new calling in peace as per canon 3:26.4. And we pray that you shall find solace and peace in the new home without unnecessarily frustrating, affecting and maligning the Church of Uganda Diocese of Kumi administration and religious formation being in mind that canon 3:26.5 having taken effect.”

“We shall respect your decisions for as long as you shall respect Church of Uganda Diocese of Kumi. May you go in Peace!!” He concluded.