The provincial standing committee of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan has suspended the Bishop of Awerial, the Rt. Rev. David Akau Kuol, for one year, effective 23 August 2020. The Primate of South Sudan, the Most Rev. Justin Badi Arama told Anglican Ink “Bishop David is dealing with some personal issues.” It is understood he remains a bishop in good standing, but is not permitted to exercise episcopal oversight of his diocese.
The Diocese of Awerial was formed in 2008 as a suffragan see within the Diocese of Yirol, and Bishop Akau Kuol was consecrated its area bishop. On 30 Nov 2013 the Provincial Standing Committee meeting in Bor, Jonglei State voted to separate it from Yirol, and it was officially inaugurated on the 18 Oct 2014 at a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mingkaman, Awerial. Bishop David was enthroned as the first diocesan bishop on 11 Jan 2015 at the cathedral.
