The Church of Pentecost has suspended water baptism as part of measures in preventing the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the country.
In a dispatch to the various branches on Sunday, September 21, the church also cautioned pastors against laying hands on members during prayer sessions.
“As part of measures in preventing Ebola, baptism in a baptistery is discouraged. The laying of hands during ministrations, such as healing during deliverance is also discouraged. Where possible, we direct assistance of medical conditions to professional medical practitioners” the statement noted.
The statement also encouraged members to desist from open handshakes during the exchange of pleasantries.
Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is infected.
Initial flu-like symptoms can lead to external haemorrhaging from areas such as eyes and gums, and internal bleeding which can lead to organ failure.
About 1,975 people have been affected by the virus so far, mostly in West Africa, with 1,069 killed.
Ghana has tested 45 different suspected cases since the disease started spreading in February this year. None of them proved positive.
