Staff Reporter
THE Christian Church has always been viewed as an instrument for good, serving the spiritual and physical wellbeing of God’s people. However, in recent times, dubious characters posing as church leaders have emerged, creating confusion in communities, separating families, abusing their followers, and causing mistrust and disharmony in society. This consensus was reached during the first meeting of the year at the Onambango Palace of King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo.
Frans Enkali, the secretary of the Ondonga Traditional Authority (OTA), stated that wayward churches are not only a problem within the OTA’s jurisdiction but also wherever they appear. “Every honest Namibian can attest to that,” he remarked, emphasizing that such churches are unwelcome in Ondonga.
While acknowledging Namibians’ freedom of religion, Enkali highlighted how this freedom is exploited and abused by some clerics to serve their own agendas, promoting hatred and discord. He cited a recent incident in which an elderly woman had her house set on fire by her own children, who claimed it was demon-infested.
Enkali further criticized pastors who promote laziness, instead of encouraging hard work alongside prayer, urging followers to rely solely on prayer.
The annual January meeting, which marks the beginning of OTA’s business, was attended by senior traditional councillors, OTA officials, church leaders, as well as Governors Elia Irimari of Oshana, Penda Ya Ndakolo of Oshikoto, and Sebastian Ndeitunga of Ohangwena. The three regional police commanders and other senior government officials also participated, recognizing that the Ondonga tribal area spans across all three regions.
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