A historical study of reconciliation as a challenge to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) 1970-2010

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study entails a historical theological research of reconciliation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia's (ELCIN) and includes amongst others the engagement of ELCIN in reconciliatory work for a just society in both the pre-independent and post-independent era of Namibia (1970-2010). The study concluded that ELCIN is not actively involved in addressing human rights issues in the post- independent Namibia. The ELCIN should therefore revisit her position regarding national reconciliation and should address the social justice issues currently unfolding in Namibia. Reconciliation is a huge challenge for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia.This study is an overview of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia regarding her engagement in the reconciliation before and after Namibia's independence, particularly, the period during 1970 – 2010. The study highlights on the one side the ministry of reconciliation and on the other side the role the ELCIN in corroboration with member churches of council of Churches in Namibia should play in order to address socio-justice issues in post-independent Namibia adequately.It is further argued in this study that the legacies of separation through the South African government in Namibia, tribal conflicts and church judicial regulations of Lutheran churches in Namibia contributed to the current challenges regarding reconciliation of the Lutheran churches in Namibia. The ELCIN are called to be ambassadors of the ministry of reconciliation namely: restorative justice, atonement and forgiveness, fellowship with God, peace and healing. God has entrusted this ministry of reconciliation to the church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), as the largest denomination in the country has important role to play in the church and society regarding the pursuing of both spiritual and national reconciliation.The ELCIN jointly with other churches in Namibia should engage actively with all role-players regarding the conceptualization and implementation of a national policy of reconciliation in Namibia. Amongst others cognisance should be taken in the discourse about national reconciliation of the African understanding of reconciliation in Namibia. ELCIN with the other two Lutheran churches in Namibia, that is ELCRN and ELCIN/GELC, represent the majority of the Christian population in the country. A huge responsibility to embody reconciliation rests on the church in Namibia. ELCIN in corroboration with member churches of the Council of churches in Namibia should revisit their positions regarding the role of the church in the post independent Namibia.The study concludes with recommendations regarding reconciliation for further research.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University