THE Macedonia Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) made N$239,200 from payments made by children who are being confirmed on Saturday.

All 368 candidates were charged N$500 each to be confirmed and were requested to give an extra N$150 each as a contribution to the church.
When approached for comment, Macedonia ELCRN’s Pastor Japhet Sam declined to confirm or deny whether they were charging N$650 per child.
“That amount was decided on collectively between the parents and church leaders. Why did someone have to go to the media and not come to me first but you are misinformed,” Sam said.
He, however, did not want to reveal how much the church charges claiming confidentiality.
“Our church has been in the newspapers too much and I will not say anything further,” he said.
Secretary Treasurer of the Anglican Church, Father Katenda said they do not charge anything for confirmations but accept contributions between N$50-N$100 which they also use to print certificates.
“All sacraments are free and should not be paid for at all. Doesn’t matter whether it’s the baptism, confirmation or marriage,” he said.
Father Katenda added that whoever accepts contributions of more than a N$100 is breaking the law.
Secretary to the Roman Catholic Church’s parish priest, Cynthia Huys said their church also does not charge anything for confirmations but asks for a contribution of N$50 from which they pay for the certificate, a gift for the bishop and buy flowers for the church.