Arch-Bishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams separates with his wife, Francisca after the two got back four years ago. Read below a letter the Arch-Bishop wrote to his congregation to formally announce the separation.
I have very crucial information to give you this morning about a major decision I have taken.
This decision, on my part, is not one that was taken in haste without years of prayer, best efforts and Christian counselling.
As many of you know, my wife and I parted in 2001.
After much prayer and counselling, I accepted her back with the understanding that we would give ourselves an additional two years to make the marriage work.
Instead of two years, we have remained together for four years.
Unfortunately, the broken bone is not healing and the pain is increasing.
After deep and prayerful consideration, I am sorry to announce that it has become expedient to go our separate ways and to remain as brother and sister in Christ.
This has been a painful decision for me to make at this time.
I strongly believe in marriage and hold firm to my belief that couples should subject their marriages to prayer and Christian counselling and exhaust all available means of reconciliation.
This is what I have counselled other couples in the church to do when experiencing difficulties and I am satisfied that the principles of this conviction have also guided me.
In admonishing that no couple should use my situation as an excuse not to fight for their marriage.
At the end of the day, each of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that we will all answer to God for our own individual decisions.
The challenges in our marriage are personal and shall remain private for the sake of our children and loved ones.
Over the years, we have been blessed with four God-fearing children and a wonderful ministry that will continue to advance God?s Kingdom.
I have and will continue to support my wife and I am not parting with hostility or regret.
My tireless commitment to the ministry and God?s call on my life is unwavering.
During this transition, I have submitted myself and my children to private counselling from strong men and women in the ministry for whom I have great respect.
I have decided not to focus on the circumstances of our parting but to keep my eyes firmly planted on God, my children and my calling.
I thank you in advance for respecting and honouring our privacy.
I am confident that He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to finish what He has begun in us until the day of His glorious appearance.
Faithfully,
Nicholas Duncan- Williams
