KABWE – UCZ DIAKONIA EXECUTIVE LODGE 09/06/2026- : The 33rd Synod Council Meeting of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ), which commenced on 5th June 2026, officially concluded on 9th June 2026 with a renewed call for resilience, unity, and transformative action among church leaders.
The meeting brought together delegates from various Presbyteries, church institutions, and cooperating partners, who spent the past days in reflection, prayer, and deliberation on matters affecting the Church and society.
Delivering his closing remarks, UCZ Synod Bishop Rev. Bishop Festus Chulu emphasized that the gathering had provided an opportunity for honest engagement on the challenges facing the Church, while also identifying pathways for growth and renewal.
“Our circumstances do not define our future; God does,” he said, urging delegates to remain hopeful and forward-looking.
Anchored on the 2026 theme, “Changing the Narrative,” the Synod Bishop challenged members to move beyond fear, despair, and limitation, and instead become agents of hope, reconciliation, justice, and transformation.
“The narrative of the Church is not one of defeat but of faith. It is not a story of decline but of God’s continuing work among His people,” he said.
Drawing from Isaiah 43:19, Rev. Chulu reminded delegates of God’s promise of new beginnings, encouraging them to recognize and embrace the opportunities ahead.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” he quoted, adding that while challenges remain real, so is the power of God at work within His people.
The Synod Bishop further called for resilience among members, noting that resilience is not the absence of difficulties but the determination to keep moving forward in faith.
“We remain steadfast because Christ remains the Head of the Church. We remain hopeful because the Holy Spirit continues to empower us. We remain united because we are bound together in the love of Christ,” he said.
He also urged that the resolutions adopted during the Council should not remain theoretical but be translated into tangible action across congregations, Presbyteries, and institutions.
“May our congregations see renewed leadership, renewed mission, renewed stewardship, and renewed commitment to the Gospel,” he said.
Rev. Chulu expressed gratitude to all delegates for their dedication, unity, and constructive contributions throughout the meeting, describing their participation as vital to the success of the Council.
“As we depart, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” he said, quoting Hebrews 12:2, and encouraged members to remain anchored in Christ as they return to their respective areas of service.
Meanwhile, UCZ General Secretary Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba extended appreciation to cooperating partners, Presbyteries, and all delegates for their presence and contributions, noting that the success of the Synod Council Meeting would not have been possible without their collective support.
The Synod Council Meeting has since been officially closed, with delegates returning to their respective stations with a renewed commitment to advancing the mission of the Church and transforming communities through faithful service.