Anglicans soldier beyond 100 years in Zambia-by Derrick Sinjela

Anglicans soldier beyond 100 years in Zambia
By Derrick Sinjela
THE Zambia Anglican Council (ZAC) has reiterated ecumenical support through its five diocesan jurisdictions spread in the countries nine provinces.
Dean of the Church of Central African, Bishop Albert Chama pledged the Anglican support toward completing the Zambian Government in the education, health and socio-economic sphere of the local economy.
Bishop Chama, who is also spiritual head of the Diocese of Northern Zambia, made the pledge during the launch of Centenary Celebrations1910-2010, hosted by Dean of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Canon Charley Thomas, marking the establishment of the Anglican Church in Zambia.
“We are determined toward continued care of vulnerable communities and our usual complementary support to Government work, through active running of Anglican education and health centers,” said Bishop Chama. Bishop Chama was elated that the launch of the Centenary Celebration was witnessed by American Ambassador to Zambia, Donald Booth, representatives from partner ecumenical allies from the Church of Central Africa.
Bishops were drawn from Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Retired Bishop John Osmers, from St. John the Evangelist Theological Seminary and past immediate bishop of Lusaka, Rt. Reverend Leonard Mwenda, and Canon Dennis Liwewe attended the Cocktail launch.
Bishop Chama pointed out that the success story of the Anglican Church in Zambia is attributed to the spirit of hard work and sacrifice that existed among founding fathers and mothers, 100 years ago.
“This is a great development and achievement, which has not just happened by accident. It is possible for us today to celebrate the 100th year of existence as an ecumenical body because of the huge sacrifices that our founders put in. We owe our existence today to this rich and wealth heritage which must be cemented through joint action,” an elated Bishop Chama advised.
Bishop David Njovu, heads the Diocese of Lusaka, Bishop William Muchombo, the Diocese of Eastern Zambia, Bishop Derrick Kamukwamba, the Diocese of Central Zambia, and Bishop Robert Mumbi, the Diocese of Luapula.
Anglican historical look
The establishment of the UMCA, after the 1857 plea by David Livingstone eventually led to the birth of the Diocese of Northern Rhodesia in 1907, and subsequently consecration and arrival of its first Bishop in Livingstone in May 1910.
First Division of the Diocese of Zambia
The Anglican Church came to Zambia under the
UMCA in 1910, and the first mission stations were:Mapanza, Choma, in Southern Province, Msoro, Mambwe, in Eastern Province, Chipili, Mansa, in Luapula Province, Fiwila, Mkushi, in Central Province

Second Division of the Zambian Church
In 1971, the Diocese of Zambia, was divided into three as the
Church grew to provide closer administration and pastoral care:
Diocese of Lusaka (covering Lusaka, Eastern, Southern provinces and the southern part of Western province), with its See at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka;
Diocese of Central Zambia (covering Central, Northern provinces, and the southern part of Copperbelt and northern part of Western province); with its See at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Ndola;
Diocese of Northern Zambia (covering the North-western and Luapula provinces and the northern part of Copperbelt province); with its See based at the Cathedral of St. Mary’s in Mufulira.
The Second Sprout
By 2001, two more Dioceses were established bringing the total to 5 dioceses (Luapula in 1995, and Eastern Zambia in 2001).
Diocese of Lusaka (covering Lusaka and Southern provinces and the southern part of Western province);
Diocese of Central Zambia (covering Central province, the southern part Northern province, and the southern part of Copperbelt and northern part of Western province)
Diocese of Northern Zambia (covering the North-western province and the northern part of Copperbelt province); with its see based at the St. Michael’s & All Angels Cathedral in Kitwe;
Diocese of Eastern Zambia (covering the Eastern province); with its see at St. Luke’s Cathedral (at the mission station at Msoro in Mambwe District).
Diocese of Luapula (covering Luapula province and the northern part of the Northern Province); with its see at Christ’s Church Cathedral (also the mission station at Chipili in Mansa District).
Mission of the Church
In 1957 UMCA celebrated its Centenary in the context of decolonization, and newly autonomous churches leading to creation of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana) to which we belong. The UMCA mission was to:Evangelise;educate;and heal.
Spreading of the Gospel
It is this mission that the Church in Zambia continues to pursue: Church mission (Spiritual outreach and evangelism, Training & development of the Clergy, Capacity building of Nuns, Christian education/strengthening of Sunday school).
Health (Health improvement with focus on mission health institutions, and prevention of malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS);
Development (Continued basic education development; Empowering youths, women, men and the physically challenged with economic livelihoods; Improvements to living standards through provision of water & sanitation, food security, and adult literacy).
Governance (Advocacy for good governance )
It is this mission that the Church in Zambia continues to pursue: Church mission (Spiritual outreach and evangelism, Training & development of the Clergy, Capacity building of Nuns, Christian education/strengthening of Sunday school). Health (Health improvement with focus on mission health institutions, and prevention of malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS); Development (Continued basic education development; Empowering youths, women, men and the physically challenged with economic livelihoods; Improvements to living standards through provision of water & sanitation, food security, and adult literacy).
Governance (Advocacy for good governance )
The Church Today Spreading the gospel from mission stations growing outwards, for example, around Mapanza, 14 congregations under Mapanza parish; and 13 congregations under Lugwalo parish;
In urban areas, increasing numbers, for example 30 congregations in Lusaka;
Zambia now has 76 parishes and 502 congregations.
Mothers’ Union in existence since the 1930s;
Youth ministry (Fellowships, Boys/Girls Brigades, Choirs/Praise Teams, Servers, Sunday School); A Men’s ministry; Girls Friendly Society; and An Evangelical ministry.
Health
Medical work became important, and one of UMCA's major contributions in this sphere was its participation in the fight against leprosy (Leprosarium in Fiwila).
Health work continues today, and in the future:
Provision of curative, preventive and rehabilitation measures and general community health through’ Mission RHCs,;
Promoting prevention & mitigation of HIV/AIDS;
Reducing spread of TB and that of mortality due to malaria (partner with Govt in Roll back malaria campaign);
Improving availability and conditions of essential medical equipment and medical supplies.
Development
Support has continued Participation in the Educational Sector:
Four (4)schools under Luapula Diocese; three (3) schools under Eastern Diocese; four (4) schools under Central Diocese; and
Four (4) schools under Lusaka Diocese.
Some of the education facilities include St. Mark’s Secondary School at Mapanza, St. Luke’s Secondary School at Msoro, Chipili Basic and High School, Fiwila Basic and High School, to name but three.
Future Challenges
Among future plans, the ZAC seeks the creation of a sixth Diocese and also a Zambian Province, spiritual growth and increased evangelization
Including continued health and education development. Increased development participation at local and national level
A coordinated maintenance of the established infrastructure