THE church community says it has lost a significant amount of income since money-generating activities have been halted due to the closure of churches.
For the duration of the state of emergency, public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
This means church activities have come to a grinding halt.
Deputy minister of health and social services, Esther Muinjangue, says churches attract crowds of people, and to curb the spread of the new coronavirus they have been closed.
“Many churches are adapting their benches and chairs to be able to maintain social distancing, but this is a challenge. Namibians should understand we are in a state of emergency and things are not operating like they normally do,” she said.
Jacqueline Tjaveondja, treasurer of the Namibian Christian Apostles and Prophet Association, yesterday said due to the closure of churches they have not been able to generate funds.
“We usually help the needy, but this year they won’t be able to receive anything,” she said.
Tjaveondja said the closure of churches has also affected people in need of spiritual support, and not everybody has smartphones to access church services.
The plight of churches, as well as service delivery and post-Covid-19 plans were discussed yesterday at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek.
Tjaveondja was joined by Lasarus Ngube, executive committee member of the Council of Churches in Namibia, and Dolly Nengushe, executive committee member of the Association of Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches in Namibia.
Ngube believes churches are major employers across the country, although they are non-profit organisations.
Churches employ pastors, administrators and cleaners, he said.
“These are family people with needs who depend on the church for an income. The impact of churches closing is quite big,” he said.
Ngube said members of the Council of Churches have come on board to assist the Ministry of Health and Social Services by offering psychosocial support and feeding the vulnerable.
He said some churches have made their facilities available in case there is a need for mass testing.
Nengushe said although churches remain closed, they are still using online platforms to keep in touch with members.
“With limited resources, churches have been reaching out to people through telephone, WhatsApp and Zoom meetings,” she said.
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