Wezi Tjaronda
9 May 2008
Windhoek — The Council of Churches in Namibia will enter into partnership with the Government. The church body made this resolution at its annual general meeting recently.
The partnership is in keeping with the Partnership Bill. The CCN established a committee of church leaders to study the Bill and make recommendations to ensure that the Bill reflects the aspirations of the church.
CCN President Bishop Erich Hertel told New Era yesterday this followed long-standing discussions between the church and the Government for the latter to be more involved in projects, as the church works at grassroots level. The Government in 2005 came up with a partnership policy with civil society organisations.
Hertel said the CCN agreed to the proposed partnership and the Government was working on the legal framework.
"We are waiting for the Government to give us guidelines," he said.
Hertel said the partnership would open up exciting projects for both sides especially that the church would access funds to implement projects, which they otherwise could not because of limited funds at their disposal.
"We look forward to the partnership," he added.
The Government came up with a partnership policy with civil society organisations to create an enabling environment for civil society and its organisations to operate more effectively and efficiently in mobilising, managing and utilising resources.
The agreement also aims at ensuring that the organisations play an active role in the social, political and economic development of Namibia.
The overall goal of the policy is for the Government, in consultation with civil society, to create a "Working Partnership" that works for the entire country through the achievement of the following four objectives, namely: to create a greater commitment for civic participation; to enhance the environment for civic participation and partnership; to bring the government closer to the people and create partnership opportunities that benefit the government, civic organisations and civil society; and to enhance the capacity of partners to jointly respond to development challenges and opportunities in an efficient, effective and sustainable fashion.
Meanwhile, Hertlel said the Government is considering the establishment of a Church-State Liaison Office for community development.
The Bishop said the council wrote to President Hifikepunye Pohamba asking for the office to facilitate communication between the Government and the church.
Hertel said this would enable the church to access Government easier, which is not the case at present.
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