A PASTOR has "retracted" a letter in which he publicly apologised for his behaviour toward a clergyman at a sister church.
In the letter Pastor Clement Okusi, of Potter's House Christian Church, in Thornton Heath, repented being "in rebellion" against Pastor Nigel Brown, of Potter's House Walthamstow.
The letter was signed by Pastor Okusi and sent out to more than 300 pastors, disciples and church members around the world, including Australia, Africa and the UK.
In a statement sent to the Advertiser on Wednesday, Pastor Okusi said he had been "required" to sign the pre-written statement presented to him at a meeting of the Potter's House Board of Elders, in Arizona, United States, on January 13.
He said he had now "formally" retracted the letter and insisted he remains head of Potter's House Croydon, despite his position being renounced by Pastor Nigel Brown and the elders.
They made that announcement after Pastor Okusi sent out a second letter in which he explained he had been forced to travel to the US meeting by Potter's House founder Wayman Mitchell, who said if he did not make the 11,000 mile trip within 14 days he would be "kicked out" of the fellowship.
The letter goes on to repudiate the accusations levelled at him in the original letter, including that he had spoken "words of disrespect, dissension and rebellion" about Pastor Brown, and that he had been "independent" and a "troublemaker".
Pastor Brown responded by writing his own message to the congregation in which he said it was "no surprise" Pastor Okusi had "ignored his disciplinary letter" and "remains in rebellion".
"It is clear from his actions and words he intends on splitting the church, taking people for his own agenda," he added.
"Clement Okusi is no longer recognised as the pastor of the Croydon Potters House Christian Church by myself or the board of elders.
"This is not a kangaroo court but men who loved Clement and attempted to correct the course he was on by addressing the issues of his heart which was clear to them all, and how he needed to repent.
"He is without headship now and a law unto himself."
The breakdown in relations between Croydon and its parent church Walthamstow has played out over two anonymous online blogs –called CroydonGate and ClementGate.
Pastor Okusi declined to speak directly to the Advertiser when contacted this week but emailed a short statement.
He said: "Following the visit to the US, the relationship between the local church and the Potter's House Network, has become unexpectedly strained.
"At the meeting in Arizona I was presented with a pre-written letter, which I was required to sign. I have now formally retracted this letter.
"The circumstances have been difficult for the network, the local church and my family.
"My priority has always been and remains to be a positive influence in the community through the witness of the Gospel, to work with the disadvantaged, to look after support my local congregation."
