OSHAKATI: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) on Wednesday elected Reverend Hilja Nghaangulwa as their Bishop.

Nghaangulwa becomes the first female bishop in the church’s history, receiving 51 votes against the 23 votes for Reverend John Haufiku.

She will lead the church’s Eastern Diocese, where she was the Acting Head, following the retirement of former Bishop Shekutamba Nambala three years ago and the death of bishop-elect Martin Ngodji before his consecration.

The church’s synod, which is taking place at Ongwediva, also elected Reverend Gideon Niitenge as its new bishop heading the ELCIN Western Diocese.

Niitenge was later elected the church’s Presiding Bishop, defeating Nghaangulwa by 53 votes to 21.

Source :The Namibia News Agency