Kissing during wedding banned by Apostolic Church-Ghana

A new directive by the Apostolic Church-Ghana has removed the “kiss the bride” segment from its marriage ceremonies.

The decision was adopted during the Church’s 6th General Council Meeting held at Fafraha in Accra, after approval by the Council of Apostles and Prophets. The move forms part of changes to wedding practices within the denomination.

Church leadership says the directive responds to evolving trends in wedding ceremonies that it considers inconsistent with its values. President of the Church, Samuel Kwadwo Ami-Narh, indicated that some modern practices have introduced elements that require review to align with the Church’s expectations.

“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,” an official statement said. It added that while the practice may be common in some Western traditions, it does not reflect the standards upheld by the Church.

The directive also addresses activities preceding weddings. The Church raised concerns about certain pre-wedding photoshoots, cautioning members against what it described as “awkward and immoral” portrayals often circulated on social media platforms.

According to the leadership, the changes are intended to guide members on acceptable conduct in marriage-related events, particularly in the context of increasing influence from social media trends. Apostle Ami-Narh noted that marriage ceremonies should reflect values of order and respect, including activities leading up to the wedding.

The decision was discussed at the General Council Meeting, where delegates considered the changes as part of broader efforts to regulate practices within the Church.

The meeting also included leadership elections conducted under the Church’s revised 2025 Constitution. Samuel Obeng Manteaw was re-elected to serve another four-year term, while Enock Atutornu and Abraham Narh were elected to join the executive.

The Church’s eleven-member Executive comprises key leadership positions, including the President, Vice-President, General Secretary and Missions Directors, alongside elected Apostles and Senior Ministers.

Church authorities also noted the transition in leadership, acknowledging outgoing members and the induction of newly elected officials.