About Us

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) is an ecumenical umbrella organization of mainline Christian churches that seeks to promote cooperation and fellowship between Christian churches and organizations in the nation.

The Council, as part of a development-oriented civil society, embarks on programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and human suffering among Zambians. Through its applied research and advocacy programmes, the Council lobbies government to formulate better national policies and laws to enable citizens live a dignified fulfilling lives.

The Council, therefore, seeks to bring together its membership and stakeholders for consultation and discussion in an effort to help form an enlightened Christian opinion on all issues affecting the spiritual, social and physical well being of Zambians.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be a prophetic voice with transformative impact on church and society for the propagation of Christian values and human dignity.

Mission Statement

The Council of Churches in Zambia serves as an ecumenical organization to strengthen Christian unity and to promote social justice, peace and development. This holistic ministry for human dignity to member churches, organizations, and to the people of Zambia is achieved through facilitation, advocacy, capacity-building, and networking to the glory of the triune God.

Formation

The Council of Churches in Zambia has been in existence since 1914. It was first called the General Missionary Conference and its main responsibility was to promote cooperation between the missionary societies in areas such as education, health and religious broadcasting. The name was later changed to the Christian Council of Northern Rhodesia in 1944. At the eve of independence in 1963, there was pressing need for the Council to begin responding to the growing social demands of the people. Upon independence in 1964, the CCNR changed its name to Christian Council of Zambia. At the 26th General Conference, the current name, Council of Churches in Zambia, was adopted to conform to the current duties and composition of the member churches belonging to CCZ.

Fundamental Values & Convictions

All activities of the Council of Churches in Zambia seek to be expressions of the following fundamental values and convictions.

• A confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• A holistic focus on the human being and human well-being: spiritual, physical and social.
• An inclusive vision of the Christian ecumenical ministry: the promotion of the Christian Faith and unity, as well as social justice, peace and community development.
• A multi-dimensional notion of ecumenical service and programmes as including leadership, facilitation, co-ordination, advocacy, capacity-building, consultation, networking and lobbying.
• Sensitivity to the needs and satisfaction of stakeholders: member churches, organizations, and partner churches and ecumenical organizations.
• A specific work-ethos and organizational culture characterized by compassion, commitment and discipline, professionalism and efficiency, integrity and accountability, and continuous quality improvement.