The Apostolic Church Ghana has announced sweeping reforms to its marriage rites, formally removing the widely recognised “you may kiss the bride” trad
The Apostolic Church Ghana has announced sweeping reforms to its marriage rites, formally removing the widely recognised “you may kiss the bride” tradition from its wedding ceremonies in a move aimed at reinforcing cultural and spiritual discipline within the Church.
The decision, which marks a significant departure from contemporary Christian wedding practices influenced by Western traditions, was approved by the Church’s Council of Apostles and Prophets and subsequently endorsed by delegates at its 6th General Council Meeting held at the TAC Conference Centre in Fafraha, Accra.
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, the President of the Church, Apostle Samuel Kwadwo Ami-Narh, said the reform was part of broader efforts to address what the Church describes as growing excesses in modern wedding ceremonies. He noted that some practices, though popular, are increasingly viewed as inconsistent with the Church’s core values and spiritual orientation.
According to an official statement issued after the meeting, the Council resolved to expunge the kissing aspect from its marriage rites, describing it as inappropriate within the Church’s cultural context. While acknowledging that such practices may be acceptable in some Western settings, the Church maintained that they do not align with its doctrinal standards and local values.
The directive also extends beyond the wedding ceremony itself. Church leadership raised concerns over the rise of pre-wedding photoshoots, cautioning members against what it described as “awkward and immoral” displays often shared on social media. Leaders argue that such trends risk undermining the sanctity and reverence that should characterise Christian marriage.
Apostle Ami-Narh emphasised that marriage within the Church must be approached with dignity, discipline, and spiritual consciousness, insisting that Christian values must guide couples not only at the altar but throughout the entire process leading to marriage.
The announcement received strong backing from delegates at the conference, many of whom expressed concern over the increasing influence of social media and foreign cultural practices on Christian weddings in Ghana.
The applause that followed the announcement reflected a growing sentiment within the Church to preserve traditional values in the face of changing societal norms.
Historically, many Ghanaian churches have gradually incorporated elements of Western wedding culture into their ceremonies, including public displays of affection such as the bridal kiss.
However, the Apostolic Church’s latest directive signals a deliberate shift back towards a more conservative and culturally grounded approach to marriage rites.
In a related development, the General Council also conducted elections to reconstitute parts of the Church’s leadership in line with its revised 2025 Constitution.
Apostle Samuel Obeng Manteaw was re-elected to serve another four-year term, while Pastor Enock Atutornu and Pastor Dr Abraham Narh were elected to replace outgoing members.
The Church’s eleven-member Executive, made up of key figures including the President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Missions Directors, and elected Apostles and Senior Ministers, is expected to steer the implementation of these reforms and other policy directions.
The Apostolic Church Ghana also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections and expressed appreciation to outgoing executives for their service, while congratulating the newly elected leaders.
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