A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Prince Chidi Philip, has sparked debate online over the rules governing Christian marriage, particularly among Catholics.
The cleric stated that Christians, especially Catholics, who stop at traditional marriage ceremonies without proceeding to have a formal Church wedding are committing a mortal sin.
According to him, couples who cohabit or sleep together after only completing a traditional marriage ceremony do not have the blessing of the Church and are therefore living in sin.
Posting on his Facebook page, Phillips wrote:
‘’As a Catholic priest, this is one point I will continue to insist on, even if it makes some people uncomfortable.
If you are a Christian, especially a Catholic, you should not stop at traditional marriage. After your traditional marriage, you should proceed to the Church for your Church wedding.
It is very unfortunate that many young Christians are avoiding Church weddings. The truth is that, after a traditional marriage, you do not have the right to sleep with your spouse until after the marriage has been celebrated and blessed by the Church. Sleeping with your spouse after a traditional marriage, without a valid Church marriage, is still considered a mortal sin.
Remember, a Church wedding is almost free. You can even have it during a morning Mass. Simply approach your priest, complete the necessary preparations, and have your marriage blessed and recognized before God and the Church.
Church marriage is not something Catholics should treat as optional. If you are a Catholic, it is a serious obligation to have your marriage properly celebrated according to the law of the Church.’’