Thursday 6 March 2014

Namiban national prayer day

In one of the most historic events since independence on 21 March 1990, church bells throughout Namibia will ring simultaneously, liquor outlets are requested to close, and President Hifikepunye Pohamba will lead the nation in prayers against violence.
In his special address to the nation last month, the president said that too much pain and suffering has been caused by the barbaric killing of Namibian women by their male counterparts, and that 6 March be declared a National Day of Prayer.
Following the president’s call, Cabinet directed that all political leaders, students, civil servants, workers, youth, peasants, traditional leaders, religious leaders, business leaders, civic organisations, community leaders and Namibians from all walks of life should participate in this national event.

On government’s request, at exactly 13h00, all church bells in the country will be rung at the same time for approximately ten minutes, followed by a call to prayer at all religious institutions, including Islamic mosques, Jewish synagogues and Bahai’ temples to curb the recent widespread onslaught of gender based violence in Namibia.
Government further requested the closure of all liquor outlets in the country for business, during observation of prayers today, so as to be in cohesion with the call to put an end to gender-based violence. Alcohol abuse has been highlighted as one of the major contributors towards the causes of gender-based violence.
Although the official programme begins at noon today at the Sam Nujoma stadium in the capital, President Pohamba is expected to deliver his keynote address shortly before 14h00. His message will also be delivered by assigned officials in all 14 regions.
In addition to the president’s address, several other speakers from Namibia’s various religious denominations will also deliver prayers revolving around numerous themes.
Sheikh Abdullah Haron of the Islamic Centre will pray on gender-based violence, followed by Sandra Tjitendero, who will give a prayer revolving around peace. Rabbi Zvi Gorelick will give a prayer on family values, while Pastor Zelda van der Colf will give a prayer on leaders. All businesses are urged to release their employees to attend this National Day of Prayer between 12h00 and 14h00 at designated venues in their respective regions.

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