Founded some generations ago in 1961, the Legio Maria group of Christians believe in a toothless journey to Heaven.
The religion with most of its members being in East Africa requires believers to remove their lower six teeth to gain a ticket to heaven.
Just as the ancient Jews were required to circumcise all males without question, Legio Maria recognizes their tradition as the truth.
READ ALSO: Mankessim: Woman serves husband faeces as dinner over failure to provide ‘chop money’
Unlike Christians who are followers of Christ, the Legio Maria members identify ancient Melkio Simeo as their Messiah, a Mother Mary who is of African descent and they have their own Gethsemane, where they believe the ten commandments fell from the sky.
In an interview with Afrimax TV, some sect leaders told the newsmen their Messiah lectured the gesture will make it easier for their Messiah to identify his servants from the billions of mankind.
Currently, the church has 3.5 to 4 million members from all countries across East Africa, all of whom are toothless in their bottom lips.
The Legio Maria members rely on traditional and herbal medicines for treatment and are forbidden from eating varieties of foods including mushrooms, goat meat and dead animal meat.
Source: CNA
