The church has been asked to boldly embrace cultural practices that are relevant and beneficial to the growth and development of the society.

Apostle Abraham Lincoln Angoh, the Bompata Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, said there were aspects of culture and traditional way of life that were positive.

He was performing the launch of the “Pentecostal puberty rites” held to symbolize the transition of 60 adolescent girls and boys in the church to adulthood.

“The child – an example of Christ in my generation” was the theme chosen for the event.

It saw the young adults – adorned with rich “Kente”, “ahenema” (pair of traditional slippers for royals) beads, finger rings and wearing the “densinkran” hair-cut, put on display the splendid Asante culture performed during puberty rites (bragoro).

his climaxed a week-long programme organized by the Children’s Ministry of the Church.

The girls and boys aged between 13 and 16, have now exited the Sunday school and joined the adult congregation.

Apostle Angoh indicated that some sides of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage were vital to human development and that was why these needed to be upheld.

He said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the church refining any of the progressive cultural practices to suit its beliefs.

What should be jettisoned were features that were inhuman, cruel, unhealthy or harmful to the progress of any individual.

“Christianity accepts any tradition which seeks development not destruction”, he added.

Pastor Joseph Asumadu Berchie, the South Suntreso District Pastor, said they were taken through three weeks of grooming - to be fully equipped for the next stage of their lives.

They were taught how to maintain personal hygiene, manners and etiquettes and discouraged from engaging in pre-marital sex.

They were baptized instead of being taken through the traditional ritual bath in a river or stream, supervised by a fetish priest or priestess.

They received Bibles, Christian literature and certificates.