ELCRN in turmoil

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) is facing internal turmoil, with its head office currently shut down, staff salaries unpaid, and tensions reportedly escalating between the church’s top leaders.

The church, with about 54 parishes, over 100 congregations and around 600 000 members countrywide, is said to be struggling financially, resulting in months of unpaid salaries for staff members.

A source close to the matter says church employees have not been paid for nearly a year.

“The water and electricity have been cut off. The headquarters of the church has also been closed for nearly a year,” the source says.

Senior pastor Raonga Kuzatjike confirmed the financial hardship last week, but said he could not comment further as he was not authorised by the church to do so.

However, he said those who approached the media instead of asking the head office are “stupid”.

“Now they’re running to the newspaper to do what? That is not how it works. It is not right. They have to refrain from that. They need to come to the church, ask the questions and start the process of helping the church,” Kazatjike said.

A letter written by the chairperson of the church elders, Andreas Katangolo, states that the church is due to have its synod this year, with 11 candidates vying for the position of bishop.

The candidates are current bishop Sagues /Keib and his deputy, Abraham Abraham.
The two leaders are allegedly not on speaking terms.

/Keib yesterday told The Namibian he was not aware of the myriad problems cited by members of the church.
He said he “does not know” whether he speaks to his deputy or not.

He said he could not remember the last time he spoke to him.
“I don’t know about it. Ask the person who told you,” /Keib said.

Approached for comment, Abraham referred The Namibian to general secretary Asser Bok.
Bok did not answer calls to his cellphone last week or yesterday.

They are joined by Willem Gaweseb, pastor Jan Beukes of Paulus Kirche Congregation at Rehoboth, pastor Marinete Dausas (associate general secretary at the head office), pastor Frederick Robert of Betesta Parish at Otavi, and pastor Lorenst Kuzatjike of Macedonia Parish in Windhoek.

Others are pastor Briaan Mbazuvara of the Inner City Congregation in Windhoek, pastor Sophi Situde of Rogate Parish at Stampriet, pastor Geneveve van Wyk from Paulinium in Windhoek, and pastor Andries Vilander, also from Paulinium.

In his letter, Katangolo called for unity and prayer as the church prepares to make a crucial decision.

“May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always and lead us on this mission,” he wrote.

In 2023, Namibian Sun reported that ELCRN employees at its head office and various departments reportedly had not been paid in months.

At the time, the church’s debt stood at N$15 million, along with outstanding salaries.

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