Pastors against pastors

TEN local pastors have joined forces against crime, especially against false prophets and pastors who deceive people.

They are pushing for a new Bill regulating the conduct of pastors, in the hope that it will be passed by parliament soon.

Jefta Ihambo, a chaplain with the police, said they are not yet finished with the draft of the proposed law to be presented to parliament.

“We need strict regulations for pastors in Namibia. The group of pastors against crime are working hard to make this a reality so that no one can simply claim to be a pastor and open a church,” Ihambo said.

Khomas regional community affairs officer warrant officer Christina Fonsech told The Namibian that they saw the need to involve pastors because of reports the police receive on a daily basis.

“Currently, we receive different complaints about pastors and prophets deceiving people or causing fights among family members. It is so bad that we hear more than six cases a day, and who better to assist than pastors themselves?” Fonsech said.

She also said the police visit churches that allegedly mislead people, at least once a month.

“We recently had an incident where a paralysed woman was told by the church not to use her wheelchair or take medication. There is another church that is keeping a 16-year-old boy from attending school. The boy and his mother both live at the church. When family members come here they are very angry and if we leave these issues unattended, problems and fights can start,” Fonsech explains.

Ngeno Nakamhelah, one of the pastors in the group, said the false prophets are using the name of God as a licence for immorality.

“It is sad to see that some churches are involved in the division of family members and fights in households. The church and especially the pastors are there, not only to preach, but to nurture, comfort, correct and protect,” Nakamhelah said.

The Namibian also spoke to a few aggrieved parents who accused some churches of dividing their families. They called on the government to intervene, saying these churches are responsible for breaking up households.