Windhoek — The Secretary General of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), Reverend Maria Kapere, has stressed the need for churches in Namibia to revisit their roles in society.

Kapere, who was speaking at the launch of the 'Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence' campaign last Friday, said churches are supposed to be at the forefront of spiritual and socio-economic developments in the nation.

She said: "We live in troubled times as a country, and leaders need to find a common response to violence, crime, alcohol and substance abuse, which affect many communities."

Kapere further said there is an atmosphere of insecurity, fear and unprecedented hostility in the world. "These are major challenges for spiritual leaders, the government, private and non-governmental and traditional leaders," said Kapere.

She stressed that Africans are generally caring people who have each other's interest at heart, but questioned why so many evils such as gender-based violence, baby dumping and other criminal offences are the order of the day.

At least 10 cases of baby dumping have been reported this year, while almost each week a case of 'passion killing' is reported in the media, with the latest victim being Martha Nakale.

"We are living in a world of changes. Hence our cultures, religion and understanding of life's dynamics are affected by these changes which are inevitable," said Kapere.

Christians should unconditionally adhere to values such as love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control and humility.

"We (churches) need to change the way that we reach out to communities. Women killings, baby dumping, suicide and crime are issues that the CCN will start to map out with all other development partners," said Kapere.