A theological evaluation of the ethics of customary marriage in the Ghanaian Christian charismatic churches in London

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to address the prevalent issue of singleness, financial challenge and moral challenge due to the church's attitude to customary marriage. The idea is to introduce and reinforce the Ghanaian customary marriage (GCM) as a legitimate Christian marriage in the Ghanaian church. This marriage is not financially overburdening, it is culturally acceptable and spiritually conducive for moral engagement. GCM is biblically sound from the perspective of doctrine, as the bible has nothing against customary marriage since all the examples of marriage we see in the bible are done within the context of culture of the people involve. The Ghanaian church has to come to terms and find ways to address its own cultural and ethical position on these matters as the church cannot function and be relevant to the wider community if the debate is not seriously discussed. The place of marriage, common law partnership, cohabiting and customary marriage within the church must be revisited.