Elcin unrepentant on stripping pastors of their titles
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin), led by Western Diocese leader Gideon Niitenge, has refused to explain why six pastors were stripped of their titles after accepting employment with the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS).
Namibian Sun has learned that a resolution was passed in April last year, stating that the pastors allegedly bypassed internal procedures to secure employment, thereby defying Elcin’s constitution.
According to Articles 45.1 and 40.5 of the Elcin constitution, the pastors were relieved of their pastoral duties for allegedly violating Article 77, which outlines clergy conduct and the process for seeking outside employment.
Article 77 grants church workers the right to seek external employment but requires prior notification and endorsement from church leadership. However, a church elder explained that this approval must be formally granted.
Among those affected was Reverend Esron Heita Kapolo, who recently passed away. Kapolo had been employed at the correctional facility in Keetmanshoop.
A local church elder stated that NCS Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela had approached Elcin to request the secondment of pastors for chaplain services, but the church did not comply, reportedly due to its own shortage of clergy.
The elder also noted that Elcin viewed it as unfair for pastors to leave when the church had funded their theology education.
Greener pastures
The pastors, including Kapolo, left the church seeking better financial opportunities. Ideally, upon reaching retirement age, they could return to ministry and serve under Elcin again.
An Elcin leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that these rules are long-standing and that this is not the first group of pastors to lose their titles for taking on external employment without church approval.
“Others have suffered the same fate. If they leave without permission, we revoke their titles. The process requires Elcin’s blessing. An individual cannot simply decide to go. When they do, we no longer consider them part of our clergy,” the church elder explained.
Another elder from a Pentecostal church added that Elcin’s rules have always been strict and will not change.
“Some churches focus on protocols, while others focus on ministry. The reality is that churches cannot guarantee monthly salaries. When pastors retire, they can return to the church. While we respect church protocols, pastors also need to make a living,” he said.
Church’s stance
Elcin Secretary General John Haufiku directed Namibian Sun to Niitenge for further comments.
Niitenge, who appeared reluctant to speak, briefly told the newspaper in a phone interview on Saturday to consult his office for official communication.
“Elcin, like any other organization, has rules that cannot be defied. There is no house without rules. The church is a large institution governed by order and leadership,” Niitenge said.
He also questioned Namibian Sun’s interest in the story and its relevance to the public.
“You should explain your motive. Publishing this story—what purpose does it serve? What impact does it have?” Niitenge asked. He later promised to schedule an appointment on Wednesday to further clarify the church’s decision.
[email protected]
Photo: Gideon Niitenge, leader of Elcin Western DiocesePhoto: Contributed
Photo: Elcin refuses to explain stripping pastors of their titlesPhoto: Tuyeimo Haidula
Namibian Sun has learned that a resolution was passed in April last year, stating that the pastors allegedly bypassed internal procedures to secure employment, thereby defying Elcin’s constitution.
According to Articles 45.1 and 40.5 of the Elcin constitution, the pastors were relieved of their pastoral duties for allegedly violating Article 77, which outlines clergy conduct and the process for seeking outside employment.
Article 77 grants church workers the right to seek external employment but requires prior notification and endorsement from church leadership. However, a church elder explained that this approval must be formally granted.
Among those affected was Reverend Esron Heita Kapolo, who recently passed away. Kapolo had been employed at the correctional facility in Keetmanshoop.
A local church elder stated that NCS Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela had approached Elcin to request the secondment of pastors for chaplain services, but the church did not comply, reportedly due to its own shortage of clergy.
The elder also noted that Elcin viewed it as unfair for pastors to leave when the church had funded their theology education.
Greener pastures
The pastors, including Kapolo, left the church seeking better financial opportunities. Ideally, upon reaching retirement age, they could return to ministry and serve under Elcin again.
An Elcin leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that these rules are long-standing and that this is not the first group of pastors to lose their titles for taking on external employment without church approval.
“Others have suffered the same fate. If they leave without permission, we revoke their titles. The process requires Elcin’s blessing. An individual cannot simply decide to go. When they do, we no longer consider them part of our clergy,” the church elder explained.
Another elder from a Pentecostal church added that Elcin’s rules have always been strict and will not change.
“Some churches focus on protocols, while others focus on ministry. The reality is that churches cannot guarantee monthly salaries. When pastors retire, they can return to the church. While we respect church protocols, pastors also need to make a living,” he said.
Church’s stance
Elcin Secretary General John Haufiku directed Namibian Sun to Niitenge for further comments.
Niitenge, who appeared reluctant to speak, briefly told the newspaper in a phone interview on Saturday to consult his office for official communication.
“Elcin, like any other organization, has rules that cannot be defied. There is no house without rules. The church is a large institution governed by order and leadership,” Niitenge said.
He also questioned Namibian Sun’s interest in the story and its relevance to the public.
“You should explain your motive. Publishing this story—what purpose does it serve? What impact does it have?” Niitenge asked. He later promised to schedule an appointment on Wednesday to further clarify the church’s decision.
[email protected]
Photo: Gideon Niitenge, leader of Elcin Western DiocesePhoto: Contributed
Photo: Elcin refuses to explain stripping pastors of their titlesPhoto: Tuyeimo Haidula
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