MPs want church control

MEMBERS of parliament are pushing for the creation of a state-owned entity which will control churches in Namibia in a bid to regulate misbeha­ving pastors.

This is part of a debate that was tabled by Swapo deputy chief whip Hamunyera Hambyuka in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Swapo chief whip Eveline Nawases-Taeyele supported the regulation of religious organisations. She added that there is a need for government to enact a law to control and regulate the registration of churches in Namibia. She said although Namibia is a secular state and government allows the freedom of worship and association, this has to be in adherence with the Constitution.