The Information Technology, Communication and Media Department is responsible for implementing and interpreting the policies of the United Church of Zambia and serving as the Church’s official link with print and electronic media. The department ensures that church members and the general public are accurately and timely informed about the activities, programmes, and positions of the UCZ.
It oversees all press releases and public information in consultation with the Synod Bishop and the General Secretary, facilitates news sharing with partner churches, and manages documentation and publications. Through effective media engagement, public relations, and information management, the department promotes the Church’s image, visibility, and credibility.
The department emphasizes community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and responsible communication, responding promptly to emerging issues to safeguard and enhance the reputation of the Church in an increasingly fast-moving media environment.
STAFFING:
- Rev. Mwelwa Mofya – Synod Information Technology and Communication Secretary (ITCS)
- Ms. Cindy Sipula – Station Manager – Alithea TV
- Mr. Chella Sikazwe – Public Relations and Media Officer
- Ms. Lazarous Phiri – Registry Officer
- Mr.Samuel Silungwe – IT Officer
HISTORY:
Before union the parent churches used to benefit from the services of the United Society of Christian Literature (USCL). After 1965 the church worked through the Christian Council Literature Committee for its domestic Christian literature printing such as hymnbooks and service books until when the committee received a grant from the USCL for purchasing a duplicating machine. In 1966 the committee started to be called Literature and Broadcasting Committee. From 1965 to 1969 Literature and Broadcasting work was being managed on part-time basis by Rev G. Bernard who was also the convenor of the committee. In 1967, the committee members made a visit to the Baptist Publishing House. This visit triggered the need to have a full-time worker. Rev G. Bernard was earmarked for this kind of work though he never took it up. In 1970, Mr W.G.P. Sinkala from Northern Presbytery was appointed Synod Literature worker. Synod asked Copperbelt Moderator and Principal of the Ministerial College in Kitwe to look into the accommodation of this worker. Mr Sinkala was only responsible for printing works. But the church was still looking for a Synod Literature and Broadcasting Officer. From 1967 to 1976 the church couldn’t find anyone to take up the position of a Synod Literature and Broadcasting Officer. In 1976 the church decided that Synod Literature and Broadcasting Officer should also do research on the needs of the church as a whole. The church therefore asked Rev David P.C. Curtis to help out as part-time Officer having been the convenor for the committee. In 1986 Rev Bishop F.D Silungwe was employed as full-time Synod Literature Officer and was based in Kitwe at Mindolo. In 1989 the Church sent Rev Evans Chibesakunda to Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation to do a diploma in Journalism, after which he was appointed Synod Communications Officer in 1991. Rev Chibesakunda worked up to 1992. From that time the department had evolved from Literature and broadcasting, to Literature, United Church Publications and now Communications. Bishop Silungwe worked as Synod Literature Officer up to 1995. In 1996, Rev Bishop Bellington M. Kabaso became the new Director; he worked up to the time when the department was closed in 1999. For two (2) years (i.e. from 1999 to 2000) the church operated without UCP and without Communications office as it tried to reorganise itself in terms of Communication and Publications.
In 2001, the church decided to re-establish the Communications department which was to be based at the former UCP. In the same year, Mr Moses Mbulo was employed as the Communication Secretary. He worked up to 2009 after his contract came to an end. In the same year the church had decided to delink Church publications from communications. This development saw the handing over of UCP to a recently formed UCZ Company called Mission Projects Limited (MISPROL). UCP therefore became a subsidiary company of MIsprol, while the Communications work were moved to Synod Headquarters in Lusaka. In May 2012, Mr Whycliff Mushipi became the new Communications Secretary, and only served close to two (2) years before being retired in 2013 on age grounds. In October 2013, Rev Dennis Mbita Sikazwe from the UCZ University College was engaged as the new Communications Secretary based in Lusaka. In 2022 Rev Dyson Goma took over from Rev. Sikazwe. In 2024 Rev. Mwelwa Mofya took over from Rev Dyson Goma.