Bishop of Hanuato’o Diocese resigned

MELANESIAN MESSENGER 070406-7 April 6, 2007

[Melanesian Messenger - Melanesia] Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuato’o the Right Reverend Jonnie Kuper resigned amidst pressures from his involvement in a sophisticated international money scam.

In announcing the resignation Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia The Most Reverend Sir Ellison Pogo said the resignation took effect at the end of March this year.

He said because of this unfortunate situation, the diocese of Hanuato’o suffered serious effect on its finances therefore Bishop Kuper felt he no longer command the trust and confidence of his people.

Sir Ellison said the diocesian bishop felt that this trust can only be restored if he is replaced by a new bishop.

He said Bishop Kuper still has the support of the Council of Bishops, therefore he will be appointed to a different role within the Church.

Bishop Kuper was consecrated and installed as the second bishop of Hanuato’o in April 2005.

He replaced Bishop James Mason who left the post at the end of July 2004 to take up pastoral work in the Diocese of Exeter in England the same year.

Bishop Kuper is from Santa Ana in the diocese of Hanuato’o.

The date for the election of his successor is yet to be set.