WINDHOEK – Outgoing Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) Dr Zephania Kameeta feels the biggest challenge facing the church is the socio-economic situation caused by drought affecting hundreds of inhabitants that are starving.
Kameeta expressed this concern during a press conference where the church also announced the outcome of the 25th Ordinary Synod held at Tsumeb, which saw Reverend Erenst //Gamxamub elected as new bishop and Reverend Paul Kisting as deputy bishop.
“The gap between the rich and poor is widening, where the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer,” he said, adding that although the church did not deal with the political situation at the synod, it prayed for stability, peace and economic justice during next year’s general elections.
The bishop said: “We have forgotten the visions we had before independence. Capital has taken centre stage. Everybody now is thinking how can I benefit? How can I improve my financial position forgetting my neighbour?” he asked.
He called for the return of the spirit of community sharing to take centre stage again so that there are no more people living in shacks while others occupy mansions, or some go to sleep on empty stomachs while others’ stomachs are full.
Kameeta said the Namibian population is not that big and everyone could have a roof over their heads and food on their table. “Nobody should go look for food at dumpsites,” he pointed out.
On other issues, the bishop also expressed his concern about the code of conduct, especially among pastors and added that they needed a clear code of conduct to ensure they walked on the morally upright path.
Kisting reiterated Kameeta’s sentiments, saying it was true the church was struggling with discipline among some of its pastors. “It will take us a long way back to investigate where the problem started,” he said, adding that if the problem is not resolved soon, it could pose dangers when the upcoming generation takes over.
Kisting said that the office of a pastor is of a different nature and cannot be treated like that of ordinary employees, but when there are problems of indiscipline, some pastors apparently run to the labour commission.
“Some people get derailed and forget about the calling to their duties,” he said.
He said the hoped the resolutions taken at the synod would be implemented otherwise there would be a dark future.
By Magreth Nunuhe