NORTH CAROLINA
Associated Press
BY MITCH WEISS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SPINDALE, N.C. (AP) — When it comes to relationships, marriage and sex, Word of Faith Fellowship members must follow strict and unusual rules – or risk severe punishment, former members say.
Some of the edicts:
– Congregants need permission from leader Jane Whaley and other ministers to get married, and it then can take months – or even a year – before the newlyweds are allowed to have sex.
– No one is allowed to date without permission, and most relationships and marriages are arranged by Whaley and ministers.
– On their wedding night, couples are permitted only a “godly peck on the cheek.” When they get in bed together, they must roll over and go to sleep.
– For all married couples, love-making is limited to 30 minutes, no foreplay is allowed, the lights must be turned off and only the missionary position is sanctioned.
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