The Bishop of Kumi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakan has asked Rev. Charles Okunya Oode to present the accountability of projects in the education department before he is granted leave of the Church services.
Bishop Okwii was responding to Rev. Okunya, who resigned from both his priestly work and as Diocesan Education Coordinator.
In the letter issued on Friday, Bishop Okwii has declined to grant the priest leave until he accounts for all the funds, projects, and works under his docket.
“The 6th Diocesan Synod in their sitting of April 18-19 resolved that as a priest and former Diocesan Education Coordinator, you ought to render written accountability for your time in office and other education projects in Tisai, Ongino, and other parts of the diocese of Kumi…”, the letter reads in part.
The letter indicates that Rev. Okunya has not accounted for the finances he received from donors for some projects.
“I am also reliably informed by the Diocesan Administration that you have kept the Diocesan Education office locked for some time now and this office has been inaccessible for over two years now. I call upon you to ensure that the official reopening of this office, in the presence and witness of relevant authorities shall form part of your handover”, the letter continues.
Bishop Okwii has given Rev. Okunya 14 days to present accountability lest he faces disciplinary action as provided for in Canon 3:30.5 and 3:30.15 of the trial and defrocking of Priests and Deacons, respectively.
Bishop Okwii also asked Rev. Okunya to follow the Provincial Constitution, 2016 if his resignation from priesthood is to be considered.
The response from Bishop Okwii comes just a day after the planned conversion of Rev. Okunya to “The Reformed Anglican Church” sect slated for April 24 at Kumi Boma grounds.
Okunya is expected to be enthroned as a new leader of the reformed Church by other church leaders in the new faith.
Okunya’s battles started in 2019 when his planned consecration and enthronement as a second Bishop of Kumi Diocese failed.