Lutherans back interfaith dialogue

The much-anticipated weeklong 12th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation that coincides with the 500th anniversary of Lutheran reformation, has commenced in Windhoek with 605 delegates from 145 churches of its global communion in over 100 countries. The LWF Assembly, which is a six-yearly event, is being held in Namibia on invitation by the three Lutheran churches in Namibia – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), the German Evangelical Lutheran Church (GELC), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRIN). The Lutheran reformation celebrates German theologian and monk Martin Luther who nailed 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church to protest against certain practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The theme of this assembly is 'Liberated by God's Grace' with three subthemes, being 'salvation not for sale', 'human beings not for sale' and 'creation not for sale'. LWF's president, Bishop Dr Munib Younan, in glowing terms spoke of Namibia's liberation struggle and commended the Namibian government for pursuing economic and social development that would satisfy the needs of all its citizens. Younan may very well have been uninformed of a demand for an apology for the LWF's silence on the human rights abuses perpetrated by Swapo in exile, but he mentioned that the “confession” of “German colonial crimes” by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) is appreciated. He said EKD's confession openly acknowledges extermination orders issued against the Ovaherero and Nama people and that these were “clearly genocidal”.“Only when the truth has been told and justice sought, can reconciliation over the pains of the past take place,” said Bishop Younan.He said Namibians and Germans should, through the genocide dialogue process, identify and agree how the history will be told, how justice can be done and how reconciliation can be promoted.Younan said the LWF is committed to offer accompaniment and support in this process. Younan further said he is “deeply impressed” by President Hage Geingob's Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), which he said can be an inspiration for the global Lutheran community because its message is not just about political liberation as a one-time event, but an attempt at ensuring “that the fruits of liberation are manifested in the lives of all people”. Younan said the theme of the assembly means that the poor in the world will no longer be silenced because everyone is equal before God. “[Our] global communion has a calling to care for communities trampled by a world turned in on itself. This calling includes responsibility to provide a witness of robust moderation, countering the many extremisms of this world, especially those hiding behind religious masks,” he said. Younan said recent global trends promoting extremism, protectionism and populism, drive communities apart and threaten conflicts as a way of strengthening exclusive community identities. Younan said African countries are today experiencing multiple layers of internal division promoted by countries and corporations seeking to rob the continent of its natural resources. Unity among churchesYounan said Lutheran communities should continue to emulate Luther's drive to rebuild, remake and reform the church while repairing and restoring ecumenical and interreligious relationships. He called on the churches to cultivate a spirit of liberation and have the freedom to ask each other tough questions. CATHERINE SASMAN

Lutherans back interfaith dialogue

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-07

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Lutherans back interfaith dialogue

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-07

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