A Brief History of the Church in

Namibia

Overview

In 1924 Lawrence and Maud Ratcliff, members of the Church from South Africa, established a small branch in Karibib in present-day Namibia. Soon afterward the Ratcliffs moved to the United States, and the branch closed. From 1930 to 1990, missionaries and members occasionally came to the country for work and met in small groups, but no lasting presence was established.

After Namibia gained independence, the new government, which allowed freedom of worship, allowed the Church to be registered quickly. Shortly after, missionaries led by a senior missionary couple were sent to the country, and Namibian Saints who had joined the Church in other places began to return. The Windhoek Branch soon had many members attending weekly meetings, the Relief Society sisters began teaching childcare lessons to the community, and seminary classes began.

Namibian Saints quickly became “anxiously engaged” in building the Church in their communities and “bring[ing] to pass much righteousness” in their country (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27). Members in Namibia have supported one another in long and expensive journeys to attend the temple in Johannesburg, South Africa; invited the elderly to an evening of food and entertainment; and contributed to the expansion of community gardens. There are now three branches in Windhoek, one branch in Swakopmund, and a growing group of members in Ongwediva.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Republic of Namibia

Capital: Windhoek

Largest City: Windhoek

Recognized Languages: English, Afrikaans, German, Otjiherero, Khoekhoegowab, Oshiwambo, RuKwangali, Setswana, siLozi

Land Area: 825,615 km² (318,772 mi²)

Church Area: Africa South

Missions: 1 (part of the Botswana/Namibia Mission)

Congregations: 4