The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) consecrated its new Bishop Abraham ||Keibeb at an event in Okahandja.

Bishop ||Keibeb, who was consecrated along with his deputy, Bishop Lorenst Kuzatjike, will serve for six years.

||Keibeb won the church's August elections with over 2,200 votes. 

Serving Bishop then Sageus |Keib formally withdrew after the count, leaving ||Kheibeb, who served as a pastor for over three decades at various churches throughout the country, as the duly elected Bishop and Lorens Kuzatjika as deputy.

In his first address as ELCRN leader, ||Kheibeb expressed gratitude to his predecessors, tracing the church's roots to the work of the Rhenish Missionary Society in the area from 1842 and noting its establishment as a distinct church in 1957.

"We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. Intently begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, through God from through God, begotten not made, one of one of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made; for us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnated from the Holy Spirit."

Outgoing Bishop Sageus |Kheib handed over the office, saying, "I herewith bestow upon you the office of the bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia in the Name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

|Keib, in his parting speech, stated that there was always significant tension, mistrust, disrespect, and blame games among the co-spiritual workers, adding that it must be addressed immediately to restore a healthy relationship and to create a conducive working environment among the staff.

He also raised concerns about financial challenges faced by the church.

"I urge the incoming bishop and his team to provide a plan of action to be executed at circuit and parish levels to raise the much-needed funds in support of the entire church budget. Likewise, provide a plan to ensure that our monthly salaries and pensions are paid regularly, as well as provide a plan to ensure that municipality and other bills are paid monthly so that the head office can be restored to its former glory."

Local and international spiritual leaders and worshippers from various churches attended the event.