When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) unveiled its 2025 bishop election schedule, congregations everywhere exhaled in relief.
For the first time in years, there is a clear timeline: nominations from 15 May to 30 June, vetting and verification through mid-July, regional candidate forums in late July and August, the 27th Ordinary Synod ballot on 24-29 August and installation on 11 October.
On paper, the plan is exemplary – punctual, transparent and comprehensive.
Yet, a timetable alone cannot heal deep-seated mistrust or bridge the divisions that have long plagued our church.
Process
We have seen deadlines come and go – week after week – without resolution.
Courtrooms have become more familiar than pulpits during bishop-election season.
When pastors and lay delegates question the fairness of nominations, when synod minutes are circled by lawyers, the faithful wonder whether God’s spirit or human politics is truly guiding the process.
Without genuine confidence that votes will be counted impartially, a “clean” schedule is nothing more than a veneer – an empty promise.
Transparency
Clarity of dates must be matched by clarity of method.
Will the nomination committee publish not only the list of candidates but also the reasons each name was advanced?
Will objections during vetting be heard in open session rather than whispered in corridors?
Will every regional forum be livestreamed so that a youth member in Opuwo can ask a question as readily as an elder in Mariental?
If ELCRN upholds these measures, its 2025 calendar could be the turning point we so desperately need.
If not, it will be remembered as yet another succession of unfulfilled promises.
Grassroots
In every deanery I have visited – from the plains of Rehoboth to the foothills of Okahandja – congregants echo a single plea: ‘change hearts before you change rules’.
Seasoned members long for the days when electing a bishop was a spirit-led act of prayerful discernment – not a political campaign.
Younger worshippers demand leaders who speak boldly on climate justice, gender equity and youth empowerment.
Our church’s vitality hinges on blending the wisdom of our elders with the innovation our young people.
Our electoral process must reflect that diversity.
Reconciliation
This election season needs not be only about ballot boxes and bylaws.
It can and should be an opportunity for genuine healing.
Rather than debating platforms, let candidates convene ‘listening circles’ in each parish, where old grievances can be laid bare and forgiveness offered.
Let every regional forum devote time to ‘wholeness in our church’, led by neutral facilitators.
On 24 August, before any votes are cast, let the Synod begin with a communal rite of confession and commitment – a powerful symbol that we place unity above ambition.
Courage
Following the 2025 calendar demands courage at every level of our church.
Pastors must resist back-room deal-making. Lay delegates must elevate the church’s collective well-being over local allegiances. The electoral committee must stand firm against undue pressure and conduct every stage with humility.
Only through such shared bravery can the October enthronement signify more than a change of personnel – it can herald the rebirth of an ELCRN renewed in integrity, accountability and love.
Crossroads
We can cling to schedules and procedures, and allow our divisions to calcify – or we can seize this moment to enact the reconciliation and reform we have long professed to want.
If our church recommits to transparent elections, compassionate dialogue and sacrificial service, it will not merely survive these trials.
It will emerge stronger and more faithful to the calling laid down by Diehl, Frederick, Diergaardt, Kameeta, ǁGamxamûb and every servant who came before.
The road ahead will demand sacrifice and humility, but the prize – a truly united church, vibrant in witness and service – is worth every step