Plenary session at the Twelfth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Johanan Celine Velariano.
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has issued a public statement on reconciliation with respect to the genocide in Namibia. The statement was adopted by the Twelfth Assembly, which takes place in Windhoek, Namibia.
“The fate of the Herero, Nama and other indigenous people under the rule of German colonial powers at the beginning of the 20th century continues causing pain among Namibian and German people until today,” the statement says. “We are encouraged that the Namibian and German governments have taken up this pain and are committed to a process of telling the truth and doing justice.”
The LWF knows from similar experiences around the world that painful memories won’t go away until they are addressed. Only when the truth has been told and justice is sought can genuine reconciliation over the pains of the past take place.
The statement recognizes the role of churches and civil society in the ”processes of reconciliation and healing of memories”. It emphasizes that the reconciliation process needs to take place between Namibians and Germans. The LWF offers “accompaniment and support, if called upon by our respective constituencies.”
