CCN wants tighter regulations for churches

An umbrella body wants to tighten the rules that regulate churches, which includes requirements that compel clerics to submit certificates of good conduct and their qualifications.

To address the issue of mushrooming churches, the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) has called for stricter oversight and adherence to biblical qualifications for ministry.

CCN president Pastor Enoch Sakama said churches should be established and led by individuals who meet the scriptural criteria and are accountable to a recognised body of believers.

In a statement released yesterday as Namibia commemorated Heroes’ Day, Sakama said this will ensure that new ministries are grounded in sound doctrine and ethical practices. This comes after media reports of pastors from charismatic churches doing the “unimaginable” to their congregants. Some pastors from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) have also come under fire after being accused of rape.

Sakama further said CCN has taken note of concerns in the media about churches that exploit communities, especially in the form of rape and money laundering.

Traditional authorities are also concerned about the mushrooming of churches in Namibia, he said, adding that the exploitation of church members by unscrupulous leaders poses significant challenges to their faith and community.

High standards

To combat the exploitation of church members, CCN advocates for transparent governance and accountability within church leadership as they must be held to high ethical standards, ensuring that their actions align with biblical teachings, Sakama urged.

“Regular audits, oversight by elder boards and open communication with congregants are practical steps to foster a culture of accountability and trust,” he said.

The statement further read: “CCN is in favour of self-regulation for the church and regards itself as the best place to be the vehicle for such self-regulation”, adding that all recognised churches in Namibia should be affiliated or registered with the umbrella body.

Once registered, a record of all recognised churches and church leaders will be kept and maintained by CCN, it suggested.

Sakama further said the organisation believes that all recognised churches should adhere to one ecumenical constitution. “All recognised churches and church leaders should sign an ethical code of conduct, to which they will be held accountable and sanctioned by it,” he said, adding that a set of minimum educational standards will be developed, to which all church leaders should adhere in order to be allowed to serve a church.

As part of this process, Sakama said CCN will request statistics from the Business Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) regarding the number of registered churches in Namibia and will call for round-table discussions - involving all churches - before the end of November to formulate a framework for one ecumenical council that will regulate churches in Namibia.

No LGBTQ+ marriages

According to Sakama, CCN does not recognise or advocate for any other kind of marriage other than between one man and one woman.

In advocating for heterosexual, monogamous marriage and procreation, CCN upholds biblical mandates and promotes the natural family structure that provides the best environment for raising children, he said.

This structure ensures that children grow up with the love and guidance of both a mother and a father, contributing to their holistic development and well-being, the umbrella body’s president explained.

“The CCN notes the need for pastoral care to LGBTQI+ people in its member churches and communities and invites the Namibian churches and society to promote the ministry of healing and hospitality to all church members, including LGBTQI+ people,” Sakama said.

He added that Namibians should acknowledge areas where church ministers lack skills and ask them to make referrals to appropriate counsellors.

“Speak to LGBTQI+ people about their relationships and God’s intention for human sexual relationships. Encourage LGBTQI+ people to talk about their situations with their church ministers. Stop the violence against LGBTQI+ people,” he urged.