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05.11.2019

"Unity in Diversity"

Bishop Sageus/Keib in his new office.

Handing over of the episcopal insignia by the departing Bishop Ernst //Gamxamub

Bishop Ernst //Gamxamub, Bishop Sageus /Keib and Rev. Barbara Rudolph from the EKiR church board at the introduction of the deputy bishop Abraham //Kheibeb

Also Bishop emer. Zephania Kameeta belonged to the guests of honour

Many church members supported their new church leadership in a creative way. (Photos: M. Pauly/UEM)

On Sunday 3 November 2019, Pastor Sageus/Keib was ordained as the new Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN). The motto of the six-hour introductory service in Okahandja was "Sola Fide; Sola Gratia; Sola Scriptura". As the first official act the newly baked bishop with the participation of Rev. Barbara Rudolph (member of the church board of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland) introduced his deputy, Pastor Abraham //Kheibeb.

The 48-year-old theologian from Swakopmund was appointed Bishop at the last synod of the ELCRN at the end of August this year. This was preceded by a direct election among the parishioners, which had already taken place in March this year. As a result of this election Pastor Sageus/Keib qualified for the episcopate with the most votes cast.

In his first sermon in his new office Bishop /Keib rejected tribalism and nepotism within the ELCRN. Instead he described his vision of a rainbow church in which ethnic differences made it possible for the church to shine even more colourfully and brightly than before. Under the motto "Unity in Diversity" he called upon the numerous guests from the church circles to build an altar of peace, unity and reconciliation. In addition, the leading theologian was not afraid to remind parishioners that their donations and contributions constituted the heartbeat of the church with which church work can be sustained.

First interview on first day of work

Asked for an interview in the morning of his first working day, Bishop Sageus /Keib spontaneously agreed to answer first questions about his self-image and his ministry in his office in the headquarters of the ELCRN in Windhoek.

Dear Bishop, once again congratulations on your introduction. Your sermon yesterday (Genesis 8:1-20) impressed me and many other guests very much. The role of Noah, the construction of an ark and the time after the flood were comprehensibly interpreted for everyone. If we transfer the story of Noah as a metaphor to the ELCRN, how do you think the Church could be made sustainable?

Bischof /Keib: The core statement of my sermon refers to the time after the devastating flood. It meant a new beginning. Those who were saved now had the opportunity to start anew with Jesus. In the past not everything was bad, but there is always the chance of a new beginning.

What are your plans for the first 100 days of your ministry?

Bischof /Keib: I want to go out to the base, to the congregations and hear what their expectations are and what improvements they are proposing. Based on the results, I will then develop a vision of where we are going.

You are the youngest bishop who has ever led this church. Do you think that your age is advantageous or might be a handicap?

Bischof /Keib: In the past, bishops were always at an advanced age at the time of their calling. But today we younger pastors are also well trained; we now have the same skills as our older colleagues. The younger pastors are more vibrate and more able to revive the Church. This is also an advantage when it comes to making the church more youth friendly.

What are your expectations towards UEM?

Bischof /Keib: My church will continue to be part of the UEM communion. I look forward to working with UEM, for example through staff exchanges, but also through participation in other UEM programmes.

Do you have another message that you would like to share with us?

Bischof /Keib: Yes, I came first and foremost as a pastor and I come to serve. "Bishop" is just a title and I want to serve people. They have brought me to this office and I do not want to disappoint them. On the other hand, I don't want to be manipulated. I stand for the Gospel, which is the foundation of my work and that of the Church.

Thank you very much for the interview!

Dr Martina Pauly (Head of Communication & Media Desk)
 

 

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