The lead singer of a popular US Christian worship band has issued an apology over a wedding picture he posted on Instagram.
Among other pictures from his wedding, Chandler Moore, from Maverick City Music, posted a photo which many critics said resembles a "sexual act".
"We honeymooninnn so when we get back we'll post some more but... these are some of our fav pics. ???? @hgracemoore knows how to twerrrrrrrk. #hallelujah JEEESUS," the caption reads.
The post has gathered more than 10,000 comments, many from Christians criticising the picture calling it "ungodly" and "very disappointing".
"No one needs to see your private married life except the two of you. This was too far sir, it's not right," Mermaid_the_artist said in a comment.
"The second picture is literally like a porn picture. It's triggering and sexual. Yup. That def isn't lead by the Holy Spirit," Gracelilly19 said.
But some high-profile worship artists like Israel Houghton and Hillsong's Joel Houston have commented on the picture in Moore's defence.
Houghton said "don't stop" while Houston said people had the choice to unfollow him if they didn't like the picture.
In his apology post, the Maverick city lead singer said he and his wife were dancing and not "doing a 'sexual act'".
"As I said in caption, she was dancing. There was great music being played. We took a pic while dancing. That's all. If it offended you that I posted it, I apologise."
He went on to say that it was very "saddening" to see the number of negative comments being made about his marriage.
"Some people literally said we would struggle in the future. We would have a rough marriage. No part of that is Christ-like. The first principle of correction is - you need proximity to someone to give healthy correction. 100% of those who posted or commented literally do not know me. They know what they think they know about me - that's it lol."
Moore finished his post saying: "Shame me & post about me all you want. Don't care lol. But to have people who call themselves CHRISTIANS speak against my wife, our marriage, and our union is super heartbreaking."
The picture still remains on his Instagram profile.