… Anglican Diocese begs angry Ex-Knight to reconsider denouncing Christianity
The Knights of St. John International Assumption Commandery has expelled Mr. James Okoye Umudim Nnewi from the order and directed him to cease parading himself as a member of the Order.
The expulsion letter dated 21 January 2026, “Re: Letter of formal expulsion and cease and desist order,” signed by the Worthy President, Commandery 51I Nnewi, Noble Cyprian Eghosi, indicated that the action is based on the failure of the culprit to respond to the query served him.
It stated that “Consequent upon the investigation into the incident of 14th January 2026 at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral and following your failure to provide a satisfactory response to the query issued to you regarding your conduct.”
In part, the letter read, “I have been directed by the Board of Trustees and the general body of Commandery 511 Nnewi to formally notify you of your expulsion from the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) order.
“This decision follows a thorough probe into reports of your public denunciation of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and your subsequent embrace of apostasy. Such actions represent a grave violation of the fundamental requirements of our Noble Order.”
The Commandery noted that the expulsion is based on the constitutional and canonical grounds for expulsion of any Catholic who failed to adhere to the laid-down rules and regulations.
According to the defenders of the faith, “Your expulsion is based on the following provisions of the KSJI Constitution and the Code of Canon Law.”
They maintained that based on the requirements of the body as contained in Chapter VI. Section 23 of the KSJI Constitution, every member “shall be and remain a practicing Roman Catholic… Upon conviction of failure to comply with this requirement, such persons shall forfeit their membership in the Knights of St. John International.”
It maintained that the conduct of Okoye is unbecoming of a Knight, hence the final gavel.
Citing the provisions of Chapter II. Section 33, the Knights argued that “Your public actions constitute conduct unbecoming of a Knight,” and so is “a recognised offense within the Order.”
The expulsion letter also invoked the provisions of Chapter VI, Section 2, which “prohibits the retention of any member who violates the provisions of the Catholic Church or is a member of a society condemned by the Church.”
As part of the Ecclesiastical Discipline, the President noted that “In accordance with Canon 1311 &1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Christian faith places you in direct violation of the Church’s spiritual authority, which this Order is sworn to protect.
Based on the misconduct and penalties enshrined in Chapter VI, Section 49, which empowers a Subordinate Commandery, or of any lawful order made by any superior officer, they maintained, “You are commanded to cease from the following: Uniform. Marching Uniform or any attire associated with the Uniformed Rank… ‘Brother’ in relation to this Order, and you are prohibited from displaying the Knights of St. John Cross, Jewels of Honor, or any other insignia of rank, the Commandery, including your ritual books and sword, as these are reserved strictly for members in good standing.”
The letter also explained that the restraining order, underlining, “Exercising any right or privilege or using insignia or titles” as a valid expiatory penalty for those who have broken communion with the faith.
It expressed “regret that your journey with this Noble Order has come to this conclusion. However. The integrity of our mission to cultivate a love for the Roman Catholic Church and maintain filial respect for the spiritual authority of the Church leaves no room for compromise on the matter of apostasy.”
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Nnewi Anglican Communion, under the Episcopacy of the Rt. Rev. Ndubuist Chukwuka Obi has appealed to Chief James Okoye to reconsider his denunciation of the Christian faith following the recent video post of his dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church.
In a letter of appeal dated 22 January 2026 titled “Re: reconsideration of your decision to denounce Christianity,” signed by the Administrative Secretary of the Diocese of Nnewi, Anglican Communion, Rev. Canon Daniel I. Ilechukwu, PhD, the diocese condemned the action of Okoye, noting that it has caused ripples in the Christian community.
According to the Bishop, “Anglican Communion…is shocked and saddened by your recent video clip denouncing Christianity, following the recent dedication of the newly completed Catholic Cathedral at Nnewi. We watched with dismay as you cited the lack of acknowledgement of a major contributor to the Cathedral’s construction. Senator Dr. Ifeanys Ubah (Ebutechukwuzo Nnewi) as the reason for your action.”
The Church appealed, “We understand and sympathise with your hurt, but we strongly believe that renouncing Christianity is not the solution. As a respected Knight and a Christian brother, we urged you to reconsider your decision. Your actions have caused ripples in the Christian community, and we have concerns for your spiritual well-being.”
Citing the importance of returning to the Christian fold, the Anglican Church stated, “We warmly reach out to you and earnestly urge you to please return to the Christian fold. Please be assured that you are deeply loved, highly valued, and greatly cherished, and your place in the Christian faith is of great importance to us.”
It further appealed, “Remember. Christ’s love is conditional and His arms are always open to those who seek Him. We pray that you will rediscover the joy of your faith and the love of the Lord. May the Lord guide you back to His loving arms and grant you peace in your journey.”
