At the just ended 6th General Council Meeting of The Apostolic Church-Ghana, delegates approved a significant doctrinal directive concerning funeral practices within the Church.
The decision, communicated by the President, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, followed recommendations from the Council of Apostles and Prophets (CAPs) based on proposals submitted by the Doctrine Watch Committee.
According to the official statement, the Council approved that no service, including sentences, prayers, or benedictions should be conducted around the dead body during burial services. Instead, all such ministrations are to be carried out from the stage or designated platform.
Furthermore, prayers of thanksgiving are to be offered from the stage, after which the clergy may file past the deceased while other funeral activities continue in an orderly manner.
The directive also states that there shall no longer be any benediction pronounced for the dead during burial services. Rather, all blessings and benedictions are to be reserved for the living.
However, the Council made provision that, where a bereaved family requests prayer at home before the body is laid in state for public viewing, a minister may attend and offer prayers. Such prayers should focus on thanking God for the life of the departed, encouraging the bereaved family, and committing all proceedings into the hands of the Lord.
This decision underscores the Church’s commitment to upholding sound biblical doctrine and preserving the sanctity and order of its funeral practices in alignment with Apostolic teachings.
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