The Apostolic Church-Ghana has banned the practice of kissing the bride during wedding ceremonies, a move church leaders say is aimed at preserving cultural and spiritual values.
The decision was approved by the church’s governing body and adopted by delegates during its sixth general council meeting held at the church’s conference center in Accra.
Church President Ami-Narh said the measure was introduced to address what leaders described as excesses and inappropriate behavior that have increasingly appeared in wedding ceremonies.
In an official statement, the church said it had removed the “you may kiss the bride” portion from its marriage rites, citing concerns that the practice does not align with its beliefs and local traditions.
Leaders acknowledged that such customs may be common in other parts of the world but said they are not consistent with the values upheld by the church.
Ami-Narh added that the church is committed to promoting moral conduct before marriage as part of its religious teachings.
Delegates at the meeting responded with strong support for the decision, saying it would help guide younger members and counter the influence of trends seen on social media.
The decision reflects an effort by religious institutions to balance modern influences with long-standing traditions. As global cultural practices spread through media and social platforms, some organizations are choosing to reaffirm local customs and moral expectations.
Changes to wedding ceremonies often carry symbolic weight, as they represent broader views on relationships, behavior and community values. By removing certain elements, the church is signaling a preference for practices it considers more consistent with its teachings.
The move may also influence how other religious groups in the region approach similar issues, particularly as debates continue over the role of tradition in modern ceremonies.
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