ROLE OF FEMALE MEMBERS 189. For emphasis, it is repeated here that female members during menstruation are not allowed to come within the precincts of the Church until after their sanctification after seven clear days; and where the menstruation extends beyond seven days, two clear days should be allowed for after stoppage before sanctification. (Lev. 15:19; Matt 5:17-19).19). 190. In Celestial Church of Christ, women are not permitted to preach the sermon or read the lesson or make announcements during Church devotional services. Indeed, they are not allowed to perform any spiritual functions connected with conducting of services in the Church other than saying the prayers when asked and reading portions of the Bible quoted by the preacher. 191. In Celestial Church of Christ, under no circumstances shall women say the grace during devotional services or lead men in prayers. This is in accordance with St. Pauls injunction (1 Cor. 14:34-35; Gen. 3:16). 192. But outside the Church amongst a congregation of women and in outdoor preaching, female members may perform spiritual functions of preaching. 193. Female members are not permitted within the precincts of the Church until forty-one days after child birth when they are obliged to go to Church for thanksgiving 194.Female members in their period after eight days shall go to the Church for sanctification in the prescribed manner before entering the Church. The process of sanctification in this regard shall be as follows: the female member concerned shall come to the Church premises with a pail of water, candle, sponge and soap. She shall kneel at the Western entrance outside the Church building facing the altar before the Pastors Representative or his appointees and shall hold her candle with the pail of water, sponge and soap in front of her. The Pastors Representative or his appointee shall light the candle and, after singing appropriate spiritual songs, he shall say a prayer of forgiveness and sanctification. After this, he shall put the candle in the pail of water and the female member shall go and have a bath with the water, sponge and soap. She is now free to enter the Church. This process of sanctification shall not be confused with the normal one obligatory to all members, male and female, on entering the Church by any of the entrances when they should dip their hands in the Holy water by the side of the door and make the sign of the cross before entering the Church.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 22:18:05 +0000
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