Sekyedumase (Ash), Dec. 30, GNA - Six pagan couples from Sekyedumase, who have joined the Catholic Church, have received special baptism of sacrament at the celebration of this year's Holy Family Day at Sekyedumase.

Explaining the rational behind the baptism of the pagan couples, the Reverend Father Joseph Boakye-Yiadom, Catholic priest of the Ejura-Sekedumase Saint Anthony's parish, said the church recognised a marriage between two pagans.

He called a marriage between two pagans as "natural marriage" since the traditional marriage rites had been performed, according to the true traditions of pagans.

Rev Father Boakye-Yiadom explained that the church baptised any pagan, who joined it and said traditional marriage rites bring about a marriage bond between the two people.

He said holy baptism received by anyone of the couple allowed him or her to receive communion in the church, pointing out that there were some people in the rural communities, who marry traditionally before becoming Christians.

Rev Father Boakye-Yiadom said such people needed enough Christian education to enable them to receive the Holy Communion because the church called for one wife and one husband.

He said however that, before a converted pagan can have the sacrament of baptism and confirmation, his or her partner must be at the place of baptism to give his or her consent.

He said that, those who were baptised in the church before entering into traditional marriage cannot receive the Holy Communion unless they have their marriage blessed in the church.

He therefore, urged people who had their traditional marriage rites with one wife or husband before joining the Catholic Church to come forward to have such an important sacrament before they die.