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Posted By OgaDeyVex On August 10th, 2025

A heated scene played out at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Idedu, in Etiti Amokwe, Enugu State, when the parish priest forcefully disrupted the annual August meeting of women, allegedly because they refused to hold the gathering at a different location.

A video circulating on social media showed the priest confronting the women, dragging with them and pushing into their midst. He was also seen scattering and breaking soft drinks placed on the floor, forcing the women to move back. Despite the tension, the women could be heard insisting they would not leave the church premises.

The incident, which was first shared online by a user identified as @ChuksEricE, has generated intense debate, with Nigerians deeply divided over whether the priest was right or wrong.

Some condemned the priest’s actions, calling it shameful and unbefitting of a religious leader. One commenter, @Veronic_TON, wrote, “This is shameful. A priest is meant to be a shepherd, not a source of chaos. Disrupting a peaceful women’s meeting over a venue disagreement is abuse of position and a poor example of leadership.”

Another user, @Real_me_Abdul said, “If my mother happens to be one of these women and she returns to that church again, I will deny her.” Calls for disciplinary action also surfaced, with @FELiXX7000 insisting the priest should be stripped of his role and taken into custody.

Others, however, defended the priest, arguing that the church is not a place for social meetings, especially when alcohol is involved. Citing biblical precedent, @AYODEJIAUSTIN9 posted John 2:15-17, where Jesus drove traders from the temple, while @emper_ice argued, “Morally and doctrine-wise, the priest did what ought to be done… bringing alcohol into the church was actually what triggered the priest.”

Some pointed out that in Catholic tradition, August meetings are usually held inside church halls or premises, but not necessarily inside the main worship area. “All this people shouting ‘why do the meeting inside church,’ I guess you are all non-Catholic… August meeting is done inside the church, except for a bigger church that has halls,” wrote @special_Ada_Ide.

While a section of commenters maintained that the women were wrong to disobey their parish priest, others insisted that his physical and aggressive approach was unacceptable. @Okeytony remarked, “He should have handled it differently. If I were his bishop, he would go on a one-year sabbatical to learn how to manage his anger.”

The Catholic Church hierarchy in the region has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, the video continues to circulate widely, sparking broader discussions on respect for church authority, the proper use of sacred spaces, and how disagreements within religious communities should be handled.

Watch The Video Below:

https://twitter.com/ChuksEricE/status/1954079982218612860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1954079982218612860%7Ctwgr%5E63df32dc86f0eec78ace8d0d0e173485ad5b0203%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-1317910749978450429.ampproject.net%2F2507172035000%2Fframe.html