wfn.org | Namibia -- CCN calls for prayers for peace

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

A day of prayer, to focus on the region's many concerns

WINDHOEK, Namibia/GENEVA, 14 September 1998 (lwi) - The Council of Churches
in Namibia (CCN) has launched a call to all Christians and other people of
faith and good will to pray for peace during September.

Issued by Rev. Ngeno Nakamhela, CCN general secretary, on behalf of the
Executive Committee, the call comes in the wake of growing violence and
unrest in Southern Africa.

The Executive Committee has suggested a day for special prayers: a Sunday
in September for CCN member churches and a pertinent holy day for people of
other faiths. Rev. Nakamhela cited a number of disquieting occurrences
warranting prayer and reflection:

- the murders of farmers in Namibia and South Africa;
- fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo;
- the possibility of renewed fighting in Angola, with more refugees coming
to Namibia;
- labor unrest with the closing of mines and businesses;
- violence towards women and children in Namibia.

"The region seems to be dominated by the power of evil rather than the
power of good," said Rev. Nakamhela, adding that it is "destabilized by
many influences which threaten all our people. The beginning place for
reversing this trend lies in the power of prayer, of seeking God's will for
our nation and our region," he said.

"CCN believes God calls us to live in peace with our neighbors, whether
they live in Namibia, Angola, Congo, South Africa or elsewhere. To achieve
that peace, we must join together to pray and work for peace. CCN is asking
our counterparts within the region to join us in this effort. Together, we
can make a difference."

Three member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) belong to the
CCN: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Namibia/GELC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the
Republic of Namibia (ELCRN).

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Lutheran World Information
Editorial Assistant: Janet Bond-Nash
E-mail: jbn@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/