An extraordinary synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) held at Okahandja in late July resolved to extend the former church council’s term until the end of August.
The synod was held to discuss the way forward after the contentious management of the election of new church council members in February.
The old church council was mandated to arrange new nominations and a new election of council members under the church’s new constitution. This election process is to be concluded before the end of August.
This came after Bishop Ernst //Gamxamûb and the sitting church leadership had indicated that the extraordinary synod would not revoke the earlier election but merely serve as a platform where factions in the church could reach agreement on the way forward.
The acting chairperson of the ELCRN synod, Michael /Uirab, said in a statement issued on Sunday that the three-day meeting could not reach consensus on how to deal with the leadership crisis.
He said the resolutions were nevertheless adopted by the majority of the delegation.
/Uirab said since the synod resolutions are final and binding, all circuits, parishes and institutions of ELCRN are expected to respect the outcome and work towards the implementation of the resolutions.
He said those members affected by irregularities in the election had also accepted Bishop Ernst //Gamxamûb’s apology.
//Gamxamûb was accused of having irregularly meddled in the elections and subsequently unilaterally dismissed the newly elected church council.
The newly elected council members had accused //Gamxamûb and the officers responsible for the election of having miscarried fairness and justice and thereby destroying the fabric and image of the church.
CATHERINE SASMAN
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