The Synod XXV of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) elected two bishops yesterday, 14 August 2024, at Ongwediva ELCIN Centre.

Rev Hilja Ndatala-Eenyofi Nghaangulwa (52), elected a Bishop of ELCIN in the Eastern Diocese, whilst Rev Gideon Niitenge (55), elected a bishop of ELCIN Western Diocese. Rev Nghaangulwa became the first female pastor to be elected a bishop.

Rev Hilja Nghaangulwa was amongst of the candidate in the Eastern Diocese such as Rev Dr Johannes Haufiku who is currently a General Secretary of ELCIN and Rev Eino Nangula who is a head of department of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources. Rev Nghaangulwa has been leading Eastern Diocese and, the same time, a presiding pastor at Edundja Congregation and Dean of Oumbangalanhu Deanery since 2021. Rev Dr Gideon Niitenge was amongst of the Candidates in the Western Diocese such as Rev Dr David Iileka the head of the Departments of ELCIN Business Foundation and Rev Jeremia Ekandjo a presiding pastor at Onangalo Congregation, Western Diocese. Dr Gideon Niitenge has been a moderator of the Western Diocese and church leader if ELCIN from the synod of XXIV in 2021.

The Synod also voted the Church Councils and their deputies

Dr. Rev Emma Nangolo – Rev Wilhelm Amakali

Rev Martha Shindongo – Rev Filemon Nampadhi.

Mrs Decelestino Augusta – Mr David Iyambo

Diak. Filippus Shanghala – Mrs Rahab Ndeunyema.

Rev Josef Ngula – Rev Justina Shilongo

The elections were presided by ELCIN Elections officials such as Mr Nicodemus Shimpanda, Mrs Rauna Nkandi, Mrs Helena Amuthitu and Mr Mike Kapweya. The ballots were counted in the presence of the synod and observers and results announced shortly after verified. One of the Synod members, Rev Dr Magdalena Ya-Shalongo, said to OMUKWETU, the Newspaper of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), that. “This Synod is very, very in good spirit. She added that she had never ever attended the Synod with a good spirit like the current one. This is inspired by the power of holy spirit”.

Both seven (7) retired bishops were invited to attend, but only three were presented, such as Dr Kleopas Dumeni, Tk Appollos Kaulinge, and Dr Veikko Munyika. The Synod adjourned on 15 August 2024.

Editor

Rev Thomas Uushona, Ongwediva