RismadarVoice Reporters
September 12, 2026
The Diocese of Okene, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has clarified its recent resolution on burial arrangements, saying the two-week timeframe does not amount to a blanket ban on immediate burials.
The Diocese said the resolution was intended to give families sufficient time to organise befitting burials for deceased parents, particularly where their children live abroad.
In a statement dated September 12, 2026, signed by the Clerical Synod Secretary, Venerable Godwin Omanyin, and Balogun Adinoyi Augustine, the Diocese said the resolution requires a minimum of two weeks to be allowed for burial preparations.
It explained that the decision would also enable the Bishop and other clergy to participate in burial ceremonies without conflicts with existing diocesan schedules.
The Diocese stressed that the resolution does not apply to families whose children are genuinely unable to comply withthe two weeksd.
However, it said the Bishop and clergy could not be held responsible if church schedules prevented them from attending such immediate burials.
The Diocese described the decision as pastoral rather than punitive, saying it was also aimed at removing fear and superstition surrounding embalming while promoting dignity for the deceased.
It further defended its authority to adopt the resolution, describing itself as an autonomous legal entity with the power to make decisions considered beneficial to its members and the wider community.
The Diocese assured members that it remained committed to their welfare and would not introduce policies intended to cause hardship.
The resolution was adopted during the first session of the Diocese’s sixth Synod, held from August 7 to 9, 2026.
The Synod also considered issues including the use of external undertakers, tithing by members in the diaspora, evangelism and other pastoral and administrative matters.
