It would be recalled that in a video shared on social media, a woman could be seen swinging a baby and holding the limbs of the baby in a manner many people have found horrifying. It was gathered that the act, according to the Reverend Kwabena Atogpeelige Akongyaane, Head Pastor of Jesus Spanner Miracle Church, was a ritual in the church to welcome every newborn to the church.
Meanwhile, Head Pastor Kwabena Atogpeelige Akongyaane, his wife Mary Akongyaane, and four other members of Jesus Spanner Miracle Church are facing court proceedings today for allegedly mistreating an infant during a church service in Balungu, Bongo District. The incident, which occurred earlier this year when the baby was approximately 5 weeks old, gained significant attention after a video of the event went viral on social media, causing widespread public outcry.
In the video, which lasts approximately 2 minutes and 28 seconds, one of the suspects, a woman, is depicted holding the baby upside down with one hand and swinging it around. Additionally, the infant is thrown into the air multiple times, held in a precarious manner, and swung around amidst drumming and dancing, all while accompanied by other church members.
When the video caught attention on social media, it generated heated conversations about the future of the church. While some suggested the church be closed, others explained that the closure of the church would be unacceptable.
Weighing in on the situation on the Day Break Upper East Show with Mark Smith today, Monday, July 10, 2023, the Head Pastor and Founder of World Light Temple, Rev. Simon Asige explained that a temporary closure of the church would help with investigation.
“This just shows that a group of people with their pastor just don’t understand what Christianity is all about or religion is all about. So it is most unfortunate that this thing has happened. First of all, we have to find out, where did he get this kind of doctrine from? Is he the only person that is operating here or the church has its branches or source from other places? It is probably not enough to talk only about this pastor. It may be that he has gone out to learn it from other places. If not, then I just think the individuals are just ignorant. These are human lives they are toying with in the name of welcoming the child into this world. I think that it shouldn’t be tolerated at all. I want to go with those who think that first of all, let them investigate and then if there is a need to probably investigate the church for the meantime, until proper investigations are done, and if there is an understanding of what is to be done, then, they can be allowed to operate. If everywhere, it is the case that that is what is done everywhere and the members cannot even agree that it is wrong, then it is proper that they close the church,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
