03.11.2006
Namibian Church Will Not Reduce Number of Pastors Despite Financial Constraints
One of the major outcomes of the 36th synod of the German-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN-GELC) was the agreement to increase contributions toward locally-paid pastors in order to intensify pastoral care especially in the countryside. The synod faced the option to reduce the number of pastors serving the ELCIN-GELC after its major partner, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), pointed out that it faced financial constraints.The delegates from the 14 ELCIN-GELC congregations met from 8 to 10 September under the theme, "I will be with you, I will not fail you or forsake you." The sustainability of pastors, youth work, and how to better utilize the church members' capacities were priority issues at the synod that discussed the church's strategic goals.
The synod also adopted the constitution of the proposed United Church Council - Namibia Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC) that would comprise the three Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Namibia-ELCIN-GELC, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN). Effective 2007, the UCC-NELC is expected to replace the current LWF Namibia National Committee, and would henceforth advise the three churches on joint projects and coordinate international relations.
The 5,200-member ELCIN-GELC was founded in 1960, and joined the LWF in 1963. Bishop Erich Hertel heads the church since May 2006. (234 words)
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