Rev Emmanuel Chikoya Pays Tribute, Bids Farewell at CCZ Send-Off Service

Описание: Rt Rev Emmanuel Chikoya on Saturday delivered an emotional vote of thanks during his farewell church service held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, marking the end of his tenure as General Secretary of the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ).
Speaking before a packed congregation, Bishop Chikoya expressed deep gratitude to church leaders, ecumenical partners, civil society, family, and friends who had walked with him throughout his service. He paid special tribute to the Guest of Honour, Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr Pamela Sambo, who attended the service accompanied by Vice Chairperson Dr Felicit Kalunga.
“It is not easy to step away from busy schedules just to come and fellowship with us,” Bishop Chikoya said, as he invited the congregation to applaud the Human Rights Commission leadership and staff for their presence and support.
He acknowledged past and present CCZ presidents, including Rev Dr Kalembo, Rev Saulos Paika, Bishop Sichilima, and current President Rev Axon Banda, describing them as mentors who guided and corrected him whenever he went “off track.” He reflected on his appointment as General Secretary, noting that it had been a bold decision at the time, and expressed hope that his service had lived up to expectations.
Bishop Chikoya also thanked ecumenical and interfaith partners, including the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group, and NGOCC, recalling shared moments of prayer, advocacy and hardship. He praised choirs, church movements, university Christian communities and the Cathedral Press Team for their contributions to the life of the Church.
In a deeply personal moment, he paid tribute to his wife of 35 years, his mother for her sacrifice in raising nine children after the death of his father, and his extended family.
Reflecting on his departure, Bishop Chikoya emphasized that he handed over office voluntarily in December 2025, describing it as an act of responsible leadership. While stepping away from the national office, he said he would continue advocating for good governance, environmental stewardship and human dignity from the grassroots.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve,” he said, before formally handing back his episcopal ministry to the Anglican Church.
Rev Emmanuel Chikoya is also a Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission Zambia