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The Diocese of Okene, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has explained its recent resolution setting a two-week minimum timeframe for burials, saying the directive does not apply to families of the “truly incapacitated”.
In a rejoinder dated 12th September 2026, signed by the Clerical Synod Secretary, Venerable Godwin Omanyin, and Balogun Adinoyi Augustine, the Diocese said the resolution does not apply to all.
According to the Diocese, its attention had been drawn to news reports claiming that the Anglican Church had banned immediate burials and set a two-week minimum timeframe.
Clarifying the actual wording of the resolution, the Diocese said the Synod resolved that “a minimum period of two weeks be allowed to enable members to prepare befitting burial programmes for their departed parents, and that members be assured that no evil consequence follows embalming.”
The Diocese insisted that the intent behind the resolution was pastoral rather than punitive, explaining that it was made because many of its members have children in the diaspora who need time to prepare and travel home to give a befitting burial to their aged parents, in line with Ecclesiastes 6:3. It added that the timeframe also allows Diocesan officials, including the Bishop, to participate in burial programmes without clashes with other Diocesan or church activities.
Addressing the core of the controversy, the Diocese stated clearly that the resolution does not apply to all circumstances.
“The Diocese did not ban immediate burial for such deceased whose children are truly incapacitated,” it said, adding: “However, the Bishop and Clergy are not compelled nor held responsible if Churches’ schedules do not permit attendance or participation at such immediate burials.”
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The Diocese further stated that the resolution “seeks to particularly remove fear and superstition around embalming, and to promote honour and dignity for the departed.”
On its standing to take such decisions, the Diocese said it remains “well constituted as an autonomous legal entity” with the right to take resolutions that make a positive impact on its churches and the community at large.
It assured members of its continued commitment to their welfare, stating: “The Diocese of Okene remains committed to the welfare of her members and will never institute policies that create hardship.”
The Diocese had earlier at the 1st Session of its 6th Synod held from Friday, 7th to 9th August 2026, resolved that a minimum period of two weeks must elapse before any burial arrangement involving a deceased member’s parent is concluded.
The resolution was contained in a communique jointly signed by the Chairman and Bishop, Emmanuel Onsachi, and the Clerical Synod Secretary, Godwin Omanyin.
That resolution had also addressed the use of externally sourced undertakers, tithing by members in the diaspora, evangelism, and other pastoral and administrative matters arising from the Synod.
