By Wezi Tjaronda
WINDHOEK
The Association of Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches of Namibia (ACPCN) has called on the church to become more involved in the fight against gender-based violence by calling fasting and national prayer days.
The association said yesterday the church was the only group that has been passive in the fight against gender-based violence.
The association yesterday wondered where “men and women of God are when such barbaric actions of rape and murder are executed?”
“Our battle as Christians and as a church is against evil forces in the air, against principalities and demonic forces. The onslaught of these invisible forces has a negative impact and influence in all cases and circumstances on the lives of human beings,” said ACPCN President Reverend Fritz Gaweseb.
In a press statement issued this week, the association said while the Government, non-governmental and community based organisations worked tirelessly to fight against the evil, the church was not active.
“It seems that the church has failed in her duty to assist and support the Government in addressing and redressing certain social issues in a constructive manner in order to find sustainable and lasting solutions,” said Gaweseb.
Gaweseb said it was the responsibility of the church to instill an attitude of mutual love and respect and also to bring back the Bible to the majority of Namibians who are Christians.
He said the church had a divine calling to educate her members on a culture of peace, respect and unity while calling on men to unite against violence against women and children that was spreading like wild fire.
“As men we have a responsibility and God-given obligations to protect our mothers, daughters and beloved wives,” Gaweseb added.
The association issued a statement in reaction to the many rape cases and murders that are perpetrated against women.
Gaweseb said rape and murder of innocent children, especially girls, are rearing their ugly head in Namibia yet Namibia as a sovereign state is supposed to be a place where its citizens enjoy fundamental human rights and freedoms.
He said the church should set aside their doctrinal difference and call national conferences to deliberate on the issue at the spiritual level.
“The church is the representative of Christ and the Government is acting on behalf of the social well-being of the citizens,” said Gaweseb.