OMANDONGO – While President Nangolo Mbumba is adamant that churches are safe havens where people gather not only to worship but to support one another, creating a strong sense of community and belonging, he also warned against the mushrooming of unregulated houses of worship.
Mbumba, while addressing members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) at the Etumo Festival 2024 in Omandongo village in the Oshikoto region on Saturday, said “Beyond these contributions, the spiritual enrichment brought by missionary work is immeasurable. The message of Christ’s love, forgiveness and salvation took root, and flourished”.
Mbumba, political leaders, various Elcin pastors and community members gathered to commemorate 154 years of mission, known as Etumo, in Oshiwambo.
Omandongo was the first Finnish missionary station in Namibia.
After receiving a warm welcome by Omukwaniilwa Shikongo shaKalulu, the missionaries settled there and commenced with their work, holding the first-ever sermon in the region.
Etumo was organised by the Elcin deaneries from the Eastern and Western dioceses at the historic event to advance the church’s mandate of serving the people spiritually and emotionally, most notably the needy, through the gospel.
The President further stressed that Christians should continue to support modern-day mission work through financial contributions, volunteering and involvement in church activities.
“We should endeavour to live out our faith by adhering to the biblical teachings and reflecting compassion, love and support for our neighbours and those in need, as demonstrated by the early missionaries,” he said.
He said the Elcin-Etumo Festival offers an opportunity for Namibians to come together as a people enlightened to the truth of the gospel, as Christians, to reflect and reinforce their values and fellowship.
Mbumba said the Etumo Festival is a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity in Namibia.
In July 1870, Finnish missionaries arrived at Omandongo to open the way for the gospel in Namibia.
Their hard work and determination have paid off.
He acknowledged that the church demonstrated faith in inviting him, knowing he would come.
“Therefore, I have decided to honour the church’s invitation, since I am also a product of the church and a member of Elcin,” he added.
“We are all cognisant that Namibia is a predominantly Christian country. However, as the President, I am representing all Namibians within the spirit of Article 21(1)(c) of the Namibian Constitution. This article accords Namibians the right to practice the religion of their choice, which means that no one can force anyone to believe in or belong to a particular faith. It is pertinent that all citizens understand this point.”
The President said in Namibia, Christianity and the work of the church in particular, have intertwined with the struggle of the Namibian people for freedom from Apartheid colonialism.
He mentioned that despite facing difficulties, the missionaries persisted and laid the foundation for the establishment of a strong Elcin church as known today in Namibia.
“They also brought with them the first methods of modern medicine and built clinics, hospitals and schools, as well as introduced vocational training to the northern rural areas, which were denied these lifesaving basic amenities. Most importantly, their teachings on social justice and equality of mankind inspired many Namibians to take up the cause for the freedom of Namibia,” he stressed.
He added that many of the liberation struggle leaders are products of missionary or church schools, such as in Ongwediva, Engela, Oshigambo, Odibo, Döbra, Okombahe, Gibeon and many other church stations.
Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit of the Council of Churches in Namibia’s (CCN) executive committee to President Mbumba on Friday, chairperson reverend Heinz Mouton said the council has proposed a comprehensive review with stakeholders regarding the number of registered churches in Namibia to allow for the regulation of churches.
Mouton said the council has taken note of concern in the media about churches that exploit communities, especially relating to sexual exploitation and money laundering, which has led to different groups having already started with the process of a Private Members Bill to have the government regulate churches in Namibia.
“CCN is currently not part of that process. We appreciate the work that has been done by others on the regulation of churches,” he noted.
He said the CCN leaders meeting, scheduled for 9 to 11 July 2024, aims to discuss constitutional amendments of the CCN to guide the discussion about a framework for the regulation of churches.
Mouton said the proposed assessment to be conducted will involve all churches and various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security; Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade; Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, as well as the Business Intellectual Property Authority regarding the number of registered churches in Namibia.
He said the issue of the mushrooming of churches in the country is challenging. Therefore, the proposed review for a framework of regulation is essential.
“We cannot have institutions that are not properly registered,’ he said.
Mbumba also called on eligible voters to ensure they register themselves to exercise their democratic rights come November.
Those who do not register are the ones who end up blaming others for not voting wisely.
It is thus vital for every Namibian over the age of 18 to cast their votes and elect the leaders of their choice.
The President further called on regional councillors to see to it that drought relief food is distributed to the beneficiaries.
-Additional reporting by Nampa