Long after it is over, the Twelfth Assembly will be remembered as the Namibia Assembly. However, real focus of the Assembly involves more than simply organizing the Assembly in Namibia. The Assembly will ensure dedicated spaces and time that allow delegates to experience Namibia before and during the Assembly.
Namibian representation in the regional pre-assemblies
The opportunity to learn about and experience Namibia will start at the regional pre-Assemblies. The heads of the Lutheran churches in Namibia will be present at the pre-Assemblies where they will introduce their church and their country to the participants. More opportunities for in-depth engagement and understanding of Namibia will be ensured throughout the Assembly process and especially at the Omatala.
Pre-Assembly visits
Assembly participants will be offered the opportunity to experience firsthand some of today’s global challenges as these manifest in Namibia. The visits will take place on 6 to 9 May 2017. Stories from the pre-Assembly visits will find their way to the Omatala so that the experience can be shared, albeit vicariously, to a broader group of people. Information on the themes and program of the visits, participation and costs will be available shortly.
Welcome reception
On 10 May 2017, Assembly participants will be received by His Excellency, Hage Geingob, President of Namibia.
Celebrating African and Namibian cultures
Assembly participants will be treated to an evening of cultural performances showing the diversity and richness of African and Namibian culture. Included in the celebration are choirs from local congregations whose rendition of Lutheran traditional songs and music will give Assembly participants a taste of Lutheran spirituality that is distinctly Namibian.
Commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation
The commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation will combine elements of the local and the global. The commemoration liturgy will contain Namibian liturgical symbols and music combined with those from other places in the world. Both Assembly participants and members of local congregations in Windhoek and across the country will worship and share a meal together. We look forward to welcoming thousands of our Namibian sisters and brothers, adult, youth and children at this unique and special event in the life of the Lutheran global communion.
The Twelfth Assembly logo
The Twelfth Assembly logo consists of emblems recognizable from the LWF logo and previous Assembly logos. The colors are in keeping with the LWF color scheme and also adapt to the colors of Namibia, representing sky, sea, desert and land.
The cross, representing faith in the crucified Christ is at the core of Lutheran identity.
The Luther Rose represents the confessional identity of the LWF. The hint of its presence in the logo symbolizes ecumenical accountability.
The dove represents God’s covenant and the Holy Spirit.
The hands, reaching upwards, are hands liberated to serve. They communicate movement, demonstrating a communion in reformation.