Building Bridges of Faith – TULINAM and the Evangelical Lutheran Church
At the heart of TULINAM’s mission is a simple but powerful belief: faith and human dignity are not opposing forces—they belong together. Over the past few years, this belief has taken meaningful shape through our growing relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCRN).
This journey has not been instant. It has been intentional, rooted in dialogue, and guided by mutual respect.
In November 2019, TULINAM and the ELCRN came together for the first of two transformative two-day dialogues. These conversations created a rare and courageous space where faith leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates could speak openly—about scripture, identity, compassion, and the lived realities of LGBTI persons in Namibia.
The second dialogue, held in March 2023, built on that foundation. By then, trust had deepened, understanding had grown, and a shared commitment to inclusion had begun to take clearer form. These engagements were not just discussions—they were moments of reflection, learning, and, most importantly, change.
Today, the ELCRN stands as one of TULINAM’s strongest faith allies.
One of the most impactful outcomes of this partnership has been the establishment of safe havens for LGBTI persons in need of emergency shelter and support. These spaces are more than physical shelters—they are places of dignity, protection, and healing. For individuals who have faced rejection, violence, or displacement, these safe havens offer something profoundly important: acceptance without condition.
This collaboration represents what is possible when faith institutions choose compassion over exclusion. It challenges long-standing narratives and demonstrates that religious communities can play a vital role in protecting and uplifting marginalized groups.
TULINAM remains committed to nurturing this partnership and continuing the work of bridging divides. Because when faith leaders stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community, they don’t just change policies—they change lives.