The newly appointed Bishop of Wolverhampton, Dr Tim Wambunya, has received a formal rebuke under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) for his involvement in a non-canonical ordination in Berlin earlier this year.

According to Church Times, Dr.Wambunya accepted the charges of "doing an act in contravention of the laws ecclesiastical" and "conduct unbecoming to the office and work of Clerk in Holy Orders".

The penalties include a formal rebuke from the Archbishop of Canterbury and a requirement to undergo additional training on the ecclesiology of the Church of England.

In April, Dr Wambunya travelled to Germany, where he participated in the ordination of the Rev Wamare Juma, leader of the independent Revealed Evangelical Mission.

His role in the service, where he laid hands on Bishop Juma and led parts of the ordination ceremony, came to light only after his appointment as the Area Bishop of Wolverhampton was announced in August.

Dr Wambunya has since issued a public apology, acknowledging the confusion and concern caused by his actions.

In a letter to clergy in the Wolverhampton ministry area, he expressed regret over his involvement, saying: “I deeply regret my lack of understanding of the polity of the Church within which I am now serving."

He also reiterated his eagerness to begin his ministry in Wolverhampton and hopes to restore trust with the community.

The Bishop of Lichfield, Dr Michael Ipgrave, welcomed the steps being taken for Dr Wambunya’s further training, emphasising that Bishop Tim had “humbly accepted” the Archbishop’s rebuke.

Dr Ipgrave added that the diocese would now move forward in welcoming and celebrating Bishop Tim's arrival.

Dr Wambunya will be formally commissioned at St Matthew’s, Walsall, and presented with a pastoral staff in Canterbury Cathedral.

His background includes serving as Bishop of Butere in Kenya, Principal of Carlile College in Nairobi, and, most recently, Vicar of St Paul’s, Slough.