CITIZENS COMPASS —A solemnisation ceremony which was to be held at the Assemblies of God Church, Ehere, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia state, was halted on Sunday, when the bride was discovered to be pregnant.
The supposed wedding was between one Mr Isreal Kennedy and Miss Rose.
As gathered, the solemnisation was to be held after the Sunday service but the officiating minister, Reverend Eze Ogba said he could not proceed with the solemnisation.
Citizens Compass learnt that a pregnancy test ordered by the church, revealed that the bride was pregnant. Upon the disclosure, the Minister announced cancellation of the wedding.
This was said to have led to confusion and disrupted the planned solemnisation.
When all entreaties failed, family members were said to have opted for an alternative nearby church that agreed to conduct the wedding and host the reception.
Speaking about the development, a church member who pleaded anonymity said said it is the tradition of the Assemblies of God Church not to wed pregnant brides, regardless of their status,
“It is the tradition of the Assemblies of God Church not to wed pregnant brides, it is not a new thing. The groom and bride who presented themselves for the wedding knew that the Church cannot join them in matrimony because the bride was already pregnant.
“They were to be joined after the service when the result of the test ordered by the church would have been ready. After conducting the pregnancy test on the bride, the church found out that she was pregnant and announced that the wedding was cancelled.”
“Despite concerns about the expenses incurred, the church adhered to its tradition. Additionally, both the groom and bride faced suspension in line with the Church’s Constitution.
Efforts to get the priest’s reaction were unsuccessful as he was reportedly in a meeting at press time.
