ODIBO- President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has strongly urged churches to re – introduce Sunday school and parents to ensure that they take children to those schools. 

She stated that it will enable the children to be introduced to religious teaching. 

The President was speaking during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of ST. Mary Mission Anglican held at Odibo village in the Ohangwena region on Saturday. 

ST. Marry Misson was established in 1924 in Namibia. 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah was among those who attended school at ST. Marry Mission. Others include late Andimba Toivo yaToivo. 

Various political leaders, church leaders from abroad and across the country, traditional leaders and community members were gathered in big numbers to celebrate the 100th anniversary of ST. Mary Mission. 

The President said people just say schools are not teaching learners religious subjects, but it is very crucial for teaching to start at home. 

“A child coming from a home where morality is not respected will not get it at school,” she said. 

The President also emphasised the importance of strengthening pastoral presence in communities, allowing the church to remain relevant and effective in its mission. “A century is a celebration of legacy and promise. We honour a century of spiritual growth, missionary witness, educational and social investment and unwavering service to God and nation. It is a time to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present and reimagine the future,” she further said. 

She stressed that one hundred years is more than a number, but it is a testimony, and a century holds stories of courage under trial, of faith under pressure and of love that would not give up. 

“It tells of parishes planted, schools established, hospitals opened and countless lives touched by the compassion of Christ. It reminds us that the Anglican Church in Namibia is not a foreign tree in a strange soil, it is a Namibian tree, deeply rooted and bearing fruit in every season.” 

Nandi-Ndaitwah further emphasised that this diocese was born in the context of colonialism and apartheid. 

She added that the Anglican Church was one of the Swapo mainliners, if not the main. 

“The church worked side by side with the freedom fighters and denounced apartheid and the South African occupation of Namibia. 

The church supported Namibian political prisoners and our people in exile. It also mobilised international political morale and material support to the fighting people of Namibia.” The President said she was inspired to learn that the diocese is not sitting back, but is looking to the future, as it is investing in theological education and the training of clergy for effective ministry in an ever-changing world. 

“I implore the business community to support the church in strengthening ongoing efforts. Attention is also given to specific youth and women development programmes,” she said. 

Also speaking to the occasion, Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has commended the Anglican Diocese of Namibia for the achievement of their 100th centenary celebration. 

In a message read on his behalf by the Bishop of the Diocese of Matlosane, Rt. Rev. Stephen Diseko said the church has made great strides in preaching the gospel to the masses of its followers and called on its leadership to continue reaching out to its people. 

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na