Weddings row vicar suspended

The vicar at a Black Country church that was branded too ugly to host weddings has been suspended, it has been revealed. Rev Patrick Okechi was suspended from The Church of Good Shepherd and St James in West Bromwich at the beginning of last month.

The married clergyman was the subject of a complaint to the Church of England diocese but denies any allegation of misconduct.

His church made news this year when Mr Okechi said the 1960s-style low-level building appeared to be a turn-off for couples who preferred to marry in more traditional settings, and it had not hosted a wedding for six years.

A wedding will take place there tomorrow but without Mr Okechi. It will be conducted by a stand-in vicar.

Gavin Drake, a spokesman for the Diocese of Lichfield confirmed the suspension. He said: "A complaint has been received by the Bishop of Lichfield over Rev Patrick Okechi." He said if proved he could be charged with conduct unbecoming to the office and work of a clergyman.

Mr Drake said details of the allegation could not be given but it did not involve anything that constituted a criminal act.

He said as a result of the allegation Mr Okechi was suspended while an investigation is carried out. The congregation at the church in Lyttleton Street was informed the following weekend. He said Mr Okechi has denied the allegation.

Mr Drake added: "The Bishop of Lichfield had a number of options open to him but he decided to suspend Rev Okechi and allow him and his wife Rachel to stay in the vicarage because of the strain they were likely to be under.The suspension is a "neutral act" while the complaint is investigated.

Mr Okechi was unavailable for comment.

Exclusive by Dave Lawley

Read the full story in Friday's Express & Star.

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