Bethany Prayer House Remains Locked for Second Consecutive Sunday; Believers Plead for Restoration of Worship

Kadapa – AP: For the second consecutive Sunday, worship services could not be conducted at Bethany Prayer House in Proddatur as the church remained locked amid an ongoing dispute over pastoral leadership and administrative control. Nearly 70 believers returned home disappointed after efforts to resume regular worship failed. ‘Trust’ representatives, church members, and believers gathered outside the church gates, demanding that the place of worship be reopened and normal services restored. The prolonged closure has triggered growing anguish among believers, many of whom say they have never witnessed Sunday worship being disrupted in the church’s history.

Church gates remain locked amid leadership dispute

The dispute revolves around the transfer of Pastor B. Solomon from Nandalur to Bethany Prayer House, Proddatur, under orders issued by the ‘Trust’, Hyderabad.

However, allegations have surfaced that the incumbent pastor, K.M. Ephraim, is opposing the transfer and preventing Pastor Solomon from assuming charge. The disagreement has resulted in the church remaining closed for two consecutive Sundays, leaving regular worship services suspended.

‘Trust’ representatives stated that they had attempted to conduct Sunday worship with the consent of both parties and in accordance with suggestions reportedly made by police officials. Despite these efforts, no resolution could be reached.

Believers hold prayer service outside locked church

As the church remained inaccessible, believers and ‘Trust’ members gathered outside the main entrance from around 8 a.m. and conducted a prayer service on the roadside.

Participants said the worship was held peacefully, reverently, and in a spirit of brotherly love to ensure that those who had arrived for Sunday service did not return home disappointed without prayer and fellowship.

Throughout the morning, worshippers raised slogans seeking the reopening of the church and restoration of regular services.

Believers express deep anguish over suspension of worship

Many believers expressed emotional distress over the continued closure of the church, arguing that irrespective of legal disputes or administrative disagreements, worship services should not be interrupted.

Several believers stated that the house of God should remain open to worshippers and that two consecutive Sundays without regular services had caused widespread disappointment among the congregation.

They appealed to authorities to take immediate steps to ensure that worship resumes and that peace is restored within the church community.

Long-time worshippers voice concerns

N. Anil Kumar (32) and M. Pradeep (36), who said they have attended the church since childhood, urged all concerned parties to respect the spiritual sentiments of believers and ensure that Sunday worship continues uninterrupted. They remarked that they had never seen the church locked during their lifetimes.

P. Raja (58) and S. Nikita (29) said they had been attending the church for several years and found it deeply distressing that worship services could not be held for two consecutive Sundays.

Paul (55), a senior believer, emotionally appealed to authorities to recognize the devotion of local worshippers and ensure that such an unprecedented situation does not recur.

Rajanna (85), who said he has been associated with Bethany Prayer House for more than five decades, observed that despite disagreements in the past, worship services had never been halted. He urged authorities to find a lasting solution to protect the church’s spiritual harmony.

Sister Prabhavathi (50) stated that her family had been attending the church for nearly 40 years and expressed sadness that believers who arrived expecting a peaceful worship service were instead confronted with locked gates.

Senior congregation member M. Yesuratnam (48) urged the concerned authorities to examine all relevant legal and administrative aspects of the dispute and take appropriate action to restore normalcy.

‘Trust’ seeks intervention of authorities

‘Trust’ representatives stated that they have requested the intervention of police officials and higher authorities to facilitate the reopening of the church and ensure compliance with relevant legal and administrative decisions.

‘Trust’ members unanimously urged the authorities to enforce the transfer orders issued by the ‘Trust’ Management and relieve Pastor K.M. Ephraim from his present position in line with the recent court verdict. They asserted that the prolonged conflict would be resolved and harmony restored in the church once the transfer is implemented, enabling regular worship services to resume without further disruption.

Pastor Ephraim cites safety concerns

Meanwhile, Pastor K.M. Ephraim reportedly informed members through the official Bethany WhatsApp group that worship services would not be conducted on Sunday due to concerns relating to law and order and the safety of believers.

Supporters of his position maintain that any decision regarding church administration should be taken only after all legal and procedural issues are resolved.

Congregation prays for peaceful resolution

Despite differing positions among the parties involved, a common sentiment emerged among many worshippers gathered outside the church. Believers said their foremost desire is not victory for any particular group, but the restoration of peace, unity, brotherly love, and uninterrupted worship at Bethany Prayer House.

Many expressed hope that discussions involving church leaders, trust representatives, legal experts, and authorities would lead to an amicable solution, allowing the church doors to reopen and normal worship services to resume at the earliest.