Catholic Archbishop calls for peaceful 2014

Archbishop Liborius Nashenda of the Roman Catholic Church in Namibia has urged young Namibians to have a “new attitude” of fighting against HIV/Aids, alcohol and drug abuse this year. “Let peace transform our nation in 2014,” Archbishop Nashenda said in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday. Nashenda said 2013 had its ups and its downs, but asked people to let bygones be bygones. The Archbishop also wants the year 2014 to be free of corruption, tribalism, passion killings, baby dumping and gender-based violence in Namibia. “In this new year we must continue to build the nation with the spirit of love, unity and reconciliation,” he said. According to Nashenda, Pope Francis has declared 2014 the Year of the Family, and called upon parents to share love with their families in the new year. He also urged the nation to focus on nation-building. Nashenda further called upon leaders in all areas to continue delivering service to all Namibians. With 2014 being an election year for Namibia, he called upon all Namibians to exercise political tolerance. “Let us practise democracy when electing our future leaders without intimidation,” he said. Namibians will go to the polls in November 2014 to vote in presidential and National Assembly elections. 

WINDHOEK NAMPA