The Apostolic Church-Ghana bans 'You may kiss the bride' at wedding ceremonies
The Apostolic Church-Ghana has banned the practice of kissing the bride before the altar during marriage ceremonies on wedding days.
This decision, approved by the Council of Apostles and Prophets (CAP), was adopted by delegates at the 6th General Council Meeting held at the TAC Conference Centre, Fafraha, Accra on March 28.
President Ami-Narh explained that the decision was taken to curb the excesses and inappropriateness that have come to characterize some wedding practices, which are considered alien to Ghanaian cultural and spiritual values.
The Apostolic Church Ghana
According to the official statement, “The Council of Apostles and Prophets has decided to expunge the ‘you may kiss the bride’ aspect from our wedding ceremonies owing to its inappropriateness within our cultural setting.” It noted that while such practices may be acceptable in Western contexts where they form part of the culture, they do not align with the values upheld by the Church.
Audience
The Council further cautioned members to desist from engaging in awkward and immoral pre-wedding photoshoots often displayed by couples intending to marry.
Apostolic Church Ghana
Throwing more light on the directive, the President emphasized that the honour of marriage must be preserved and upheld, rather than diluted even before couples come to the altar. He added that Christian values before marriage must be promoted and respected as a means of honouring God.
The Apostolic Church Ghana
The announcement was met with thunderous applause and cheers from delegates, who expressed their support for the decision as a step toward safeguarding the youth from prevailing social media influences and excesses.
Credit: Akua Akyaa Oyiakwan
