Watoto Church defends strict wedding rules
Ms Mariam Nakimenya, the head of legal at Watoto Church, explains that for anyone to be considered their church member, they must be in one of their home cells that meet once in a week for edification. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Ms Mariam Nakimenya, the head of legal at Watoto Church, explains that for anyone to be considered their church member, they must be in one of their home cells that meet once in a week for edification and that upon crosschecking, Mr Aboneka and his bride-to-be are not in any of their home cells.
KAMPALA. Watoto Church has defended its strict wedding rules in court, saying the same is calculated to ensure that the marriage institution is stable as family is the foundation of society, the disintegration of which could lead to the collapse of the nation.
About a month ago, Mr Michael Aboneka, a lawyer, sued the elite born-again church, saying he is stranded after the church imposed what he considered stringent conditions before he can be allowed to tie the knot with his bride on October 27.
But in its defence it filed through its lawyers of Arcadia Advocates headed by outgoing law society president Francis Gimara, Watoto Church states that all its marriages are celebrated in accordance with the Marriage Act and that whoever is uncomfortable with them, should look elsewhere.
“The respondent (Watoto) denies that it forces any intending couple to comply with the above requirements as they have the choice to celebrate their marriage elsewhere,” the church states.
Petition
Mr Aboneka in his petition lists a letter of consent (blessing) from the parents of the bride-to-be, a pastor’s endorsement of fitness for marriage, evidence of HIV status tested at one of the specified hospitals and a counselling report issued as some of the prohibitive conditions.
The church also in its defence, accuses Mr Aboneka and his bride-to-be, of not being members of its congregation, hence they have no locus to institute a law suit against them.
Ms Mariam Nakimenya, the head of legal at Watoto Church, explains that for anyone to be considered their church member, they must be in one of their home cells that meet once in a week for edification and that upon crosschecking, Mr Aboneka and his bride-to-be are not in any of their home cells.
