Placido Hilukilwa
THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) ordained eleven new pastors during a solemn ceremony at its Western Diocese headquarters in Nakayale, near Outapi in the Omusati Region, on Sunday.
The ordination was led by Presiding Bishop Gideon Niitenge, who heads the Western Diocese, and Bishop Hilja Nghaangulwa of the Eastern Diocese.
Western Diocese Secretary Rev. Likius Namutewa announced the deployment of six of the eleven new pastors to congregations in his diocese:
– Leonard Homateni Ngwilili – Onheleiwa
– Andreas Shivute – Onkani
– Andreas Linus – Onyeka
– Johannes Neshuku – Oniimwandi
– Matheus Ndahomenwa – Onangalo
– Wilhelmina Iiyambo – Uukwandongo
Eastern Diocese Secretary Rev. Aron Kanana announced the placement of five new pastors in his diocese:
– Tylves Nghipandulwa – Elombe
– Mestilde Tenga – Oluwaya
– Ayeshe Lyauvika Embundile – Onamukulo
– Thomas Kandume – Keetmanshoop
– Kristof Nashongo – Gobabis
ELCIN is the largest Christian denomination in Namibia, with over 800,000 members.
The church is led by a Presiding Bishop and a Bishop, each heading one of its two dioceses. It has approximately 125 congregations served by just over 140 pastors. New pastors undergo four years of initial training at the Windhoek-based United Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Photo: Omukwetu.
