The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) at its 11th Extraordinary Synod acknowledged that serious irregularities occurred during its 26th Ordinary High Synod.
This extraordinary session reviewed the election of church council members that took place on 4 February earlier this year. The decision for the review comes after a circular in which Bishop Ernst //Gamxamûb in March had apologised for ‘depriving’ eight incumbent church council members of their vote because they were kicked out of the venue before the elections took place.
The 11th Extraordinary Synod took place from 23 to 26 July 2016 in the town of Okahandja, hosted by the Betesda Parish. The Synod is the highest decision-making body of the ELCRN and has the responsibility to primarily look into the life of the church and to discuss challenges and opportunities that may endanger or positively influence the future life of the church and its members. It is an organ in which all the parishes and institutions of the church are represented.
According to a press statement the main focus of the 11th Extraordinary Synod was to review the conduct and outcomes of the 26th Ordinary High Synod that was held from 30 January to 4 February this year, also in Okahandja.
The Extraordinary Synod critically reflected on the composition, election procedures and other aspects of the 26th Ordinary Synod. The ELCRN also benefitted from the services of a legal advisor, Dr Herbert Ehnes, who was seconded by its German partners through a mutual agreement to guide the church through this process.
During the deliberations the synod acknowledged that serious irregularities occurred during the 26th Ordinary High Synod.
In particular it says that the election process was conducted improperly as some members with voting rights were denied to participate in the election process. During the deliberations shortcomings were also noted with regards to the nomination processes and the technologies that were used for voting.
The 11th Extraordinary Synod also took note of litigation in the high court to block the current church council from calling an extraordinary synod.
“This synod was called to resolve the impasse after the 26th High Synod but was challenged legally by some of the members that were elected through the flawed election process mentioned above.” The Synod also took note that the high court rejected their application with cost on the basis that there was no urgency to hear their case and reasons for this judgment are to be made available on 13 August from Judge Collins Parker.
The synod adopted a motion to extend the term of office of the current church council until 31 August 2017. The term of the current Synod chairs will also be extended to the same date.
It further resolved that the current church council is mandated to constitute a nominations committee as soon as possible and organise elections according to the new constitution of ELCRN. This election process is to be concluded before the end of August 2016.
“The Synod having accepted the apology by the Bishop, furthermore expressed apology and sought for forgiveness from those members that were affected by the irregularities. These include those that were wrongfully sent out and could not exercise their rights to vote and those that were eventually elected but couldn’t be inducted due to the above-mentioned flaws,” the statement read.
Since the High Synod resolutions are final and binding, all synodicals, circuits, parishes and institutions of ELCRN are expected to respect these outcomes.
ELLANIE SMIT