Calabar – A wedding ceremony officiated by Lady Helen Ukpabio at the Liberty Gospel Foundation Ministries in Calabar has ignited a heated debate on social media. The ceremony, which took place last Saturday, witnessed a tense exchange of words between Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio and the father of the bride regarding the roles of parents and religious leaders in marriage NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The debate began when the father of the bride asserted that he had already given his daughter in marriage to the groom through African traditional rites, making them husband and wife already. He argued that there was no Biblical scripture authorizing a priest or pastor to join couples in marriage.
In response, Lady Helen Ukpabio insisted on her role in joining the couple in holy matrimony, apparently citing the church’s doctrine.
The debate quickly spread on social media platforms, with various individuals expressing their opinions on the matter. Some supported the father of the bride’s position, emphasizing that traditional marriage rites, parental blessings, and dowry payment were sufficient to constitute a valid marriage. They argued that church weddings were an imported tradition, often leading to unnecessary expenses.
Controversial Wedding Ceremony at Liberty Gospel Foundation Ministries Sparks Heated Debate pic.twitter.com/6uIeIHQKkv
— NEGROID HAVEN (@NegroidHaven) September 13, 2023
Others defended Lady Helen Ukpabio, citing church doctrine and sacraments as legitimate components of a Christian wedding. They suggested that her role was to administer a sacrament to an already married couple.
The controversy highlighted the ongoing tension between African traditional customs and religious practices, particularly in the context of marriage ceremonies. Many participants in the online debate called for a reevaluation of the significance of church weddings and a greater emphasis on traditional marriage rites.
The incident has raised questions about the authority of religious leaders in joining couples in matrimony and the role of traditional customs in marriage ceremonies. It has also sparked discussions about the influence of imported (Western) wedding traditions occasioned by colonisation and the need for cultural sensitivity in wedding ceremonies.
As the debate rages on, it remains a topic of significant interest and discussion among social media users, shedding light on the complexities of marriage customs and traditions in contemporary society.
