Church leaders urged to be level-headed on gay matters
Exercise restraint, religious communities told
SACHI has denounced the vilification of minority groups and the criminalisation of non-mainstream sexual preferences and warned against exploiting the ruling for political gain.
The Southern African Christian Initiative (SACHI) has urged religious communities and activists to treat a recent Supreme Court ruling with "level-headedness" and restraint.
In a statement issued late last week, the organisation publicly took a stand against "the vilification and discrimination against minority groups and the criminalisation of non-mainstream sexual preferences".
Passed on 16 May, the court ruling compels the home affairs ministry to recognise same-sex marriages solemnised abroad. The ruling has been met with severe criticism.
"Our Christian values teach us to love unconditionally, respect all persons as God's image-bearers, and seek reconciliation and unity in society," SACHI board member Basilius Kasera wrote.
Respect justice
Last week, the home affairs ministry announced that it would comply with the ruling.
This news also received significant backlash, with several public figures – including Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) national coordinator Kalimbo Iipumbu – blasting the move.
Initially, home affairs minister Albert Kawana said the ministry would wait for the attorney general's go-ahead before complying with the ruling.
Be responsible
SACHI further urged church leaders to treat the ruling with equality and fairness.
"We call upon members of the public, especially those in positions of influence or power, to exercise level-headedness and speak responsibly about groups whose sexual ethics they may not agree with.
"It is our mandate to ensure that every individual receives equal treatment under the law, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Kasera said.
He added that the Supreme Court ruling should not be exploited for political gain or to fuel "unnecessary tension".
"We emphasise that petitions and marches against LGBTQI individuals by churches and Christian organisations only serve to further politicise and weaponise this sensitive matter.
"We are not called to be a lobbyist church but one that must share the gospel and provide support and care for all in a loving and pastoral way," the statement read.
"Let us not be known only when it comes to matters of sexuality while neglecting to be a prophetic voice in other critical areas that hinder people's ability to flourish in life."
In a statement issued late last week, the organisation publicly took a stand against "the vilification and discrimination against minority groups and the criminalisation of non-mainstream sexual preferences".
Passed on 16 May, the court ruling compels the home affairs ministry to recognise same-sex marriages solemnised abroad. The ruling has been met with severe criticism.
"Our Christian values teach us to love unconditionally, respect all persons as God's image-bearers, and seek reconciliation and unity in society," SACHI board member Basilius Kasera wrote.
Respect justice
Last week, the home affairs ministry announced that it would comply with the ruling.
This news also received significant backlash, with several public figures – including Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) national coordinator Kalimbo Iipumbu – blasting the move.
Initially, home affairs minister Albert Kawana said the ministry would wait for the attorney general's go-ahead before complying with the ruling.
Be responsible
SACHI further urged church leaders to treat the ruling with equality and fairness.
"We call upon members of the public, especially those in positions of influence or power, to exercise level-headedness and speak responsibly about groups whose sexual ethics they may not agree with.
"It is our mandate to ensure that every individual receives equal treatment under the law, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Kasera said.
He added that the Supreme Court ruling should not be exploited for political gain or to fuel "unnecessary tension".
"We emphasise that petitions and marches against LGBTQI individuals by churches and Christian organisations only serve to further politicise and weaponise this sensitive matter.
"We are not called to be a lobbyist church but one that must share the gospel and provide support and care for all in a loving and pastoral way," the statement read.
"Let us not be known only when it comes to matters of sexuality while neglecting to be a prophetic voice in other critical areas that hinder people's ability to flourish in life."
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