ONGWEDIVA – Former secretary general of the Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) Rev. Dr Veikko Ndelihongela Munyika has taken over the ELCIN Western Diocese as the newly appointed bishop.
Munyika was consecrated yesterday during a high-profile ceremony held at Ongwediva ELCIN Centre. He was elected during the church’s congress a few months ago, to replace Rev. Bishop Josephat Shanghala, who served as a bishop for that diocese since 2010. At the time of his appointment, Munyika was serving in the missionary function of the church.
Munyika was ordained as pastor at the age of 28 in 1981. He served different functions and in various departments in the ELCIN church, among them that of ELCIN secretary for education between 1997 and 2000, as well as secretary general from 2000 and 2006. Apart from a doctorate degree in theology, he also obtained an education degree from the University of Namibia.
“I am giving you this cross to face problems and challenges as those that were faced by Jesus and those that I faced myself,” said Shanghala as he handed over the bishop’s chain to Munyika.
By Helvy Shaanika