Time to reconsider the death penalty, church leaders say
‘Children deserve to grow up without fear’
The Christian Coalition of Churches in Namibia (CCCN) has called for the establishment of an annual national prayer day and a fresh debate on state-sanctioned executions.
Their statement follows a string of gruesome assaults and murders of young women and children.
In a recent statement, the coalition's executive chair, Shirley Magazi, condemned what she described as the recent “barbaric and ruthless killings” that have horrified Namibian communities.
“These demonic acts reflect a dark, evil and deeper mental, emotional, and spiritual rot within our communities,” said Magazi. “We cannot allow such atrocities to become the norm. This must not and cannot be tolerated.”
Magazi also suggested the possible reintroduction of the death penalty for perpetrators of violent crimes.
“Once apprehended and proven guilty, perhaps it is time for the reintroduction of the death penalty for such perpetrators, their accomplices and any collaborators (if any),” she stated.
Magazi described the recent violent assaults and murders as not only shocking and devastating but “an affront to the values of human dignity, safety and security that our nation upholds”. The coalition has urged Namibians to respond not only with outrage but also with unity, action and prayer.
“We call upon parents, community leaders and all citizens to come together to foster a safer environment for our children,” Magazi stressed. “Our children deserve to grow up without fear.”
The coalition also proposed the reintroduction of prayers and Bible teachings in schools, arguing that spiritual and moral education can serve as preventative tools in building a more compassionate and ethical society.
Most importantly, they are calling on all stakeholders, from churches to civic bodies, to join in dedicating the nation to God through an annual prayer day.
Their statement follows a string of gruesome assaults and murders of young women and children.
In a recent statement, the coalition's executive chair, Shirley Magazi, condemned what she described as the recent “barbaric and ruthless killings” that have horrified Namibian communities.
“These demonic acts reflect a dark, evil and deeper mental, emotional, and spiritual rot within our communities,” said Magazi. “We cannot allow such atrocities to become the norm. This must not and cannot be tolerated.”
Magazi also suggested the possible reintroduction of the death penalty for perpetrators of violent crimes.
“Once apprehended and proven guilty, perhaps it is time for the reintroduction of the death penalty for such perpetrators, their accomplices and any collaborators (if any),” she stated.
Magazi described the recent violent assaults and murders as not only shocking and devastating but “an affront to the values of human dignity, safety and security that our nation upholds”. The coalition has urged Namibians to respond not only with outrage but also with unity, action and prayer.
“We call upon parents, community leaders and all citizens to come together to foster a safer environment for our children,” Magazi stressed. “Our children deserve to grow up without fear.”
The coalition also proposed the reintroduction of prayers and Bible teachings in schools, arguing that spiritual and moral education can serve as preventative tools in building a more compassionate and ethical society.
Most importantly, they are calling on all stakeholders, from churches to civic bodies, to join in dedicating the nation to God through an annual prayer day.
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Namibian Sun
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