Kameeta’s church concerned about free speech in Namibia

THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) has called on Namibians to safeguard peace and national reconciliation.

“This includes the freedom of expression, as well as looking for a Namibian solution within the guaranteed democratic Namibian framework,” the 22nd Synod of the church said in a statement. The ELCRN Synod met recently in Rehoboth and re-elected Bishop Zephania Kameeta as head of the church for another term.He was nominated by all 53 ELCRN congregations – something the Synod described as historic.Reverend Paul Hatani Kisting was elected as the new Deputy Bishop.Although the ELCRN statement did not dwell much on national reconciliation, it was clear that the Synod was concerned about recent public statements about the National Society for Human Rights’ submission to the International Criminal Court which demanded that former President Sam Nujoma and three others be held accountable for the disappearance of some Namibians before and after Independence.The Synod also expressed “shock and sadness” about the murder of the late Sanna //Garoes and condemned all forms of violence committed against women.It called on all Namibians to support civil society and Government in addressing gender-based violence.”The High Synod called on all stakeholders to work towards the realisation of equity amongst women and men in the social and economic sphere, ensuring equal opportunities in the economy and mutual respect and equality in relationships in order to build a healthy, strong and conducive society for all,” the statement said.ELCRN rejected “excessive pressure” from some international donors in the field of HIV-AIDS, claiming they were “enforcing personnel as well as programmatic changes” in the church’s AIDS programme (ELCAP).”The High Synod expressed the view that this poses a direct threat towards the sovereignty of the ELCRN.The body of Christ is infected and affected by this pandemic,” the statement said.The Synod directed ELCAP together with the ELCRN Administrative Board to explore sustainable ways “to withstand this undue pressure and to proclaim the good news to the sick without any fear or favour”.All pastors and lay people were also urged not to entertain any form of tribal or racial agenda.The Synod reiterated its commitment and support for the United Church Council of Namibian Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC) and directed the leadership to continue exploring concrete ways of giving practical expression to Lutheran unity in Namibia.The ELCRN Synod met recently in Rehoboth and re-elected Bishop Zephania Kameeta as head of the church for another term.He was nominated by all 53 ELCRN congregations – something the Synod described as historic.Reverend Paul Hatani Kisting was elected as the new Deputy Bishop.Although the ELCRN statement did not dwell much on national reconciliation, it was clear that the Synod was concerned about recent public statements about the National Society for Human Rights’ submission to the International Criminal Court which demanded that former President Sam Nujoma and three others be held accountable for the disappearance of some Namibians before and after Independence.The Synod also expressed “shock and sadness” about the murder of the late Sanna //Garoes and condemned all forms of violence committed against women.It called on all Namibians to support civil society and Government in addressing gender-based violence.”The High Synod called on all stakeholders to work towards the realisation of equity amongst women and men in the social and economic sphere, ensuring equal opportunities in the economy and mutual respect and equality in relationships in order to build a healthy, strong and conducive society for all,” the statement said.ELCRN rejected “excessive pressure” from some international donors in the field of HIV-AIDS, claiming they were “enforcing personnel as well as programmatic changes” in the church’s AIDS programme (ELCAP).”The High Synod expressed the view that this poses a direct threat towards the sovereignty of the ELCRN.The body of Christ is infected and affected by this pandemic,” the statement said.The Synod directed ELCAP together with the ELCRN Administrative Board to explore sustainable ways “to withstand this undue pressure and to proclaim the good news to the sick without any fear or favour”.All pastors and lay people were also urged not to entertain any form of tribal or racial agenda.The Synod reiterated its commitment and support for the United Church Council of Namibian Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC) and directed the leadership to continue exploring concrete ways of giving practical expression to Lutheran unity in Namibia.