(05/09/07) Dr Zephania Kameeta has been re-elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN), a member church of the United Evangelical Mis-sion. The 22nd Ordinary Synod of the ELCRN was held at the Paulus Congregation in Rehoboth from 25th to 30th August 2007.
 
The theme of the synod was taken from Luke 11 v 3: »And give us today our daily bread.«

The Synod discussed a variety of ecumenical, national and political issues such as the subsidisation of potable water to Namibian citizens, climate change, the newly founded United Lutheran Church Council, and the Reconciliation between the Rhenish Evangeli-cal Lutheran Church and ELCRN.

In a media statement the ELCRN reports the resolutions of the council:

extract from the Media Statement of the ELCRN:

Election of the Bishop

The High Synod resolved to enter into the annals of history of the ELCRN the unprece-dented, unique and first-ever historical phenomenon, reported by the Chairman of the Nomination Commission Mr. H. Jagger and his able team, that the Right Reverend Dr. Z. Kameeta, incumbent Bishop of the ELCRN was nominated as the sole candidate for the Bishop’s election by 47 out of 53 congregations with the nominations of six (6) congregations not received.
Delegates from Exodus/Lüderitz, Philadelphia/Arandis, Ebenhaezer/Keetmanshoop, Omkhaidani/Okombahe, Jubilate/Usakos and Alpha/Karibib, rose one by one confir-ming that congregation meetings were held in accordance with the ELCRN constitution and all six congregations nominated the Rt. Rev. Dr. Z. Kameeta as their only candidate for the Bishops election. This expose confirmed a 100% elections return by all fifty-three (53) congregations for Bishop Dr. Z. Kameeta.

The High Synod resolved with an all inclusive vote of 100%, without any abstentions, to endorse the will of all the 53 ELCRN Congregations for the Rt. Rev. Dr. Z. Kameeta to lead the ELCRN for another full term. Bishop-elect Dr. Z. Kameeta in all humility ac-cepted the sacred trust bestowed upon him. To God be the glory.

The High Synod also elected Rev. Paul Hatani Kisting as the new Deputy-Bishop.
Cross Subsidisation of Potable Water to all Namibians

The High Synod calls on government to ensure that everybody has daily clean drinking water. The principle of cross subsidization through differential pricing should guarantee this for all Namibians.

Basic Income Grant- (BIG)

The Synod applauded the Governor of the Hardap Region Honourable Katrina Hanse-Himarwa for her public endorsement and support for the call for the introduction of the Basic Income Grant (BIG). The Governor, in her speech to the High Synod, commended the BIG as a “divine intervention”, “which puts the […] Lord’s Prayer into deeds and actions.”

In the same vain, the High Synod reiterated its admiration for the first Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Hage Geingob’s unequivocal support towards the BIG. Especially his leadership through having been the first person, who financially contributed for two people for two years. This has empowered the BIG Pilot Project significantly. The Synod urges all its congregations to follow this noble example and become creative and committed in raising the necessary financial support towards the BIG Pilot Project.

The High Synod urges Government to take its Namibian Tax Commission (NAMTAX) initiative towards its logical conclusion. The nationwide political as well as public sup-port for the BIG is summarised in the 22nd Synod’s theme: “Give us today our daily bread” Luke 11 v 3 and requires the nation-wide introduction of the BIG as soon as possible.

HIV/AIDS

The High Synod is concerned about the excessive pressure from some international fun-ders in the field of HIV/AIDS in terms of enforcing personnel as well as programmatic changes. The High Synod expressed the view that this poses a direct threat towards the sovereignty of the ELCRN. The body of Christ is infected and affected by this pan-demic, and the 21st Synod had already resolved to sustain its all inclusive approach in prevention and to be in active solidarity with those infected and affected. The 22nd Synod reiterated this stance. The High Synod directed ELCAP together with the Admin-istrative Board to explore sustainable ways to withstand this undue pressure and to pro-claim the good news to the sick without any fear or favour.

Gender-based violence

The High Synod learned with shock and sadness about the horrible murder of late Sanna //Garoes and condemns all forms of violence committed against women in our society and therefore resolved that efforts by civil society and government to address gender-based violence should be supported by all stakeholders. In addition, the High Synod called on all stakeholders to work towards the realization of equity amongst women and men in the social and economic sphere, ensuring equal opportunities in the economy and mutual respect and equality in relationships in order to build a healthy, strong and con-ducive society for all.

Drought and Climate Change

The High Synod expressed its serious concern about the recent droughts in Namibia. Urgent emergency relief needs to be given to the affected areas. The High Synod fur-thermore took note that the recent droughts are to be attributed to the global climate change, caused mainly by the industrialised nations in the Northern Hemisphere. The High Synod appeals to the Namibian Government to explore all possible ways together with its counterparts as well as its citizens within Namibia, to avert a potential climatic catastrophe through making use of renewable energy and being environmentally sensi-tive and to mitigate the damage done to the integrity of God’s creation and the Universe.

National Reconciliation

The High Synod expressed its concern that peace and reconciliation should be safe-guarded in Namibia. This includes the freedom of expression, as well as looking for a Namibian solution within the guaranteed democratic Namibian framework.

Tribalism

The High Synod unanimously reiterates and emphasises the unity of the church in the fight against racism and tribalism. All Pastors and lay people were urged not to entertain any form of tribal or racial agenda, as this is clearly against the gospel and the church as being the body of Christ.

United Lutheran Church Council

The High Synod reiterated its commitment and support for the United Church Council of the Namibian Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC) and directs to continue to explore more concrete ways of giving practical expressions to the Lutheran unity in Namibia.

Reconciliation between Rhenish Evangelical Lutheran Church and ELCRN

The High Synod thanked Bishop Dr. Z. Kameeta for his proactive stance on the relation-ship between the Rhenish Evangelical Lutheran Church and the ELCRN by officially apologising at the funeral of Rev. Beukes for any wrongdoings of the ELCRN. The High Synod applauded Rev. K. Diergaardt for his profound plea for forgiveness to the entire ELCRN through the Synod in progress and regards these apologies as important and crucial expressions on the way to reconciliation between the two churches.

Good Governance in Congregations and Institutions

The High Synod resolved to inculcate transparency, accountability and good governance in the institutions of our church to promote proper financial and administrative controls, including regular audited financial reports. The Finance Director is commended for ha-ving made a good start and full support should be given to him by all stake holders in this crucial turn-around strategy.

Computer Literacy

The High Synod commended the Bishop on the new presentation format of his report in form of a DVD. It was resolved that all pastors and congregational leadership need to ensure that they are computer literate to be effective and not left behind in their work. Computer literacy in all relevant Office programmes should be included in the Pastors training as well.

Copy Right Violations of Church Music

The High Synod noted with concern that copy rights of church songs are violated. Church music is copied and often even wrongly translated, interpreted and conducted and then sold for gain. This conduct is disapproved and should be stopped immediately. Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. Z. Kameeta

In Verbindung stehende News:

ELCRN: Bischof Kameeta im Amt bestätigt - 04-09-07 14:01