Trying Times For ELCRN

REFORMATION day marked a defining moment for the Lutherans and ELCRN [Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia] in particular. Martin Luther spoke out against corrupt practices and leadership, and he did that with 95 theses. It is important to commemorate this day, but to use it as a point of departure to attack this church is unwise.

The ELCRN faces many challenges, which the leadership is handling with dignity and respect, mind you. All institutions globally face challenges. Thus I fail to see the relevance of even mentioning that. Most crises are created by people, except the natural disasters.
We can recall the time when Bishop emeritus Dr Frederick was corruptly removed as bishop in 1993. Over more than three rounds he couldn’t achieve the two thirds majority as stated in the constitution, and for me, it was only logical that he proceed in the interim, since he was in the lead and also the incumbent at that time, instead of replacing him with a candidate who lost in the first round as the interim leader.
The church demonstrated immense respect and maturity during those trying times and it is important to note that nobody challenged those unconstitutional acts through the media or in court, out of love for ELCRN. The ELCRN stood the test of time and there is no reason now to suggest otherwise.
Disciplinary issues are handled in accordance with the church constitution.
You are the owner of terms such as ‘saintliness’ and ‘donatism’, not the ELCRN! It is important that we must agree to disagree, but guard against disrespect and under-estimation in the process. God will choose the new bishop and deputy bishop. ELCRN will exist on Gods terms!

CT Tiboth
By email

---