Christians are up in arms in Colombia after a judge in the coastal city of Cartagena inexplicably banned prayer and "fraternal hugs" during city council sessions as well as in schools, businesses and even in private family life, CNA reports.

Judge Alejandro Bonilla Aldana issued the ruling on May 10, effectively suspending the first article of a 2007 accord which established prayer at "the beginning of all daily activities in local government entities as a basic approach to recovering the religious principles of the city."

His ruling was prompted when a lawsuit was brought before the court questioning the accord.

Judge Bonilla sided with the plaintiff and forthwith issued an order banning the giving of "fraternal hug at the beginning of activities" not just at the city council, but also in "public and private businesses, educational institutions, police command posts and stations, military battalions, assemblies, the boards of businesses, shopping centres, and taxi stations, trade organisations, associations and in the family."

In his ruling, the judge said, "The custom of prayer cannot be taken as a widespread cultural element and the civil authorities cannot impose its obligatory exercise, disregarding freedom of belief."

Catholic and other Christian leaders swiftly denounced the "absurd" ruling, with the Archdiocese of Cartagena issuing a statement saying that it violates the human rights "of all the Catholics in Colombia."

The ruling sparked "massive prayers" in Cartagena by diverse Christian groups, according to the daily El Tiempo.

"No one can prohibit us from praying and giving hugs," Pastor Lida Arias said. "This city and this country need more prayer and less absurd laws."

A number of city council members have also publicly come out against Judge Bonilla's decision, according to the daily El Heraldo.

The Association of Evangelical Ministers in Bolivar also assailed the ruling, saying that "prayer and a fraternal hugs break down the barriers between people and allow us to forgive one another."

The Christian leaders encouraged the people to stage "a peaceful protest of prayer and fraternal hugs be held in every area of Cartagena."