A viral video that appeared online purportedly showed a local pastor kissing a churchgoer as part of a spiritual " deliverance" practice, setting off a furor of controversy. His modest congregation' s service was interrupted by the occurrence, which has caused considerable indignation and caused many to wonder about the limits of religious practice.
In the video, a crowded congregation watches as the pastor whose identity has been omitted for privacy reasons gets ready to " impart the Holy Spirit" to a female churchgoer.
The pastor unexpectedly leans in and kisses the woman in front of the whole congregation, declaring that this is how the Holy Spirit will enter her, rather than placing hands on her or praying over her. Though clearly taken aback, the congregation participated in the service nonetheless.
But when the video went viral on social media, the pastor has been subject to a barrage of criticism, with many accusing him of transgressing moral and ethical bounds.
Critics are questioning whether weaker believers are being taken advantage of in the name of spiritual rites and whether power is abused in religious settings. A worried bystander said, It' s ridiculous! In the name of the Holy Spirit, kissing someone?
This is not the purpose of religion. Various denominational religious leaders have also voiced their condemnation of the practice, calling it " misguided" and " disturbing. "
A well- known religious leader demanded responsibility, saying, " We cannot allow such acts to distort the real meaning of faith. The flock is harmed and misled by these alleged behaviors. "
In a succinct statement, the pastor defended himself, saying that the kiss represented the symbolic transfer of heavenly authority and that it was " an instruction from God. " In response, he pleaded with detractors to " open their hearts to new forms of spiritual expression. "
The controversy surrounding this contentious deliverance method is far from ended, though, since officials are supposedly thinking about looking into the situation.