LUSAKA – UCZ SYNOD HEAD-QUARTERS: Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God our Father and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. On this 16th day of January 2026, we give thanks to the Almighty God as the United Church of Zambia marks a remarkable milestone 61 years of faithful witness, service, and mission. From our humble beginnings in 1965 to this present moment, the Lord has been our help, our strength, and our guide. Like the psalmist, we proclaim: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)This anniversary invites us to pause and reflect with gratitude on the journey God has led us through — a journey shaped by faith, sacrifice, prayer, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We honour the faithful men and women, clergy and laity alike, whose obedience and dedication laid a strong foundation upon which we continue to build.
As we celebrate 61 years of existence, we do so under the UCZ 2026 theme “Changing the Narrative.”,” inspired by Isaiah 43:19.
This theme calls us to intentional renewal, renewal of our faith, our unity, our mission, and our witness in a changing world. It challenges us to tell a new story rooted in hope rather than despair, faith rather than fear, service rather than self-interest, and Christ rather than complacency.
At this important moment in our history, I wish to call the entire UCZ membership to deeper unity. As a Church we are strong when we walk together in love, humility, and mutual respect. Our diversity of gifts, backgrounds, and perspectives must never divide us, but rather enrich our shared calling as one body in Christ. Let us therefore resist divisions, heal broken relationships, and recommit ourselves to mutual love, respect, and cooperation at all levels of the Church.
Furthermore, I encourage the Church to remain focused on its mission. The call to proclaim the Gospel, to make disciples, to serve the poor, to seek justice, and to be a voice of hope in our communities remains as urgent today as it was 61 years ago. We must resist the temptation to be distracted by issues that weaken our witness and instead recommit ourselves to being a Church that transforms lives through word and deed.We are also mindful that this year, like many before it, will not be without challenges. Yet we are reminded by Scripture that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) I therefore assure you, beloved, that God remains faithful. Let us remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous, trusting that God is at work even in difficult seasons. As we journey through 2026, I urge the Church to remain vigilant — vigilant in faith, conduct, doctrine, and in our public witness.
To change the narrative, we must live differently, speak truthfully, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. The story we tell as a Church must be reflected in the lives we live as believers.On this 61st anniversary, May the United Church of Zambia rise with renewed vision, strengthened unity, and fresh commitment to God’s mission.
May the Holy Spirit guide us, sustain us, and empower us to faithfully serve Christ in our generation.
Happy 61st Anniversary to the United Church of Zambia.
Yours in Christ’s Service,
REV. BISHOP FESTUS CHULU.