Zambia Anglican Council convenes Safe Church gathering in Lusaka
The Zambia Anglican Council (ZAC) convened a national Safe Church Conference in Lusaka from 25-28 January 2026, bringing together church leaders and safeguarding practitioners from across the country to strengthen safeguarding within the Anglican Church.
The gathering responded to growing recognition within the Anglican Communion, both globally and locally, of the need to embed cultures of care, accountability, and responsibility in church life. Within the Anglican tradition, a Safe Church is one that upholds the dignity of every person, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Approximately 80 participants from all dioceses attended, including bishops, senior clergy, diocesan secretaries, registrars, and diocesan Safe Church representatives. Sessions were led by Anglican leaders and safeguarding practitioners, including The Most Revd Dr Albert Chama, Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of Lusaka, and The Rt Revd Cleophas Lunga, Bishop of Matabeleland and Safe Church Commissioner.
The programme combined theological reflection with practical training on codes of conduct, safer recruitment, reporting and response mechanisms, risk prevention, and survivor-centred pastoral care. Over two days of prayerful reflection, participants identified risks, confronted hard truths, and took concrete steps towards a Safe Church Policy for Zambia.
Safe Church work is broader than safeguarding. It involves treating everyone with dignity and respect,
said Dr K. Mwanza of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Zambia.
Drawing on Micah 6:8, Archbishop Chama emphasised that a Safe Church does justice by preventing harm, loves kindness by centring on survivors, and walks humbly through accountability.
Documents alone will not keep people safe
Anchored in 1 Corinthians 16:14, he reminded the Church that love requires courage, systems that protect, leaders who act, and communities that refuse to remain silent.
The Safe Church Conference has provided an opportunity to lay a foundation of knowledge that will be passed on to the next generation,
reflected Evangelist Canon Janet Munde of the Anglican Diocese of Central Zambia.
Key milestones included a shared understanding that safeguarding is central to mission, strengthened leadership capacity, a draft policy framework, and a roadmap for diocesan rollout.
Our mindsets and attitudes have been changed, and we have been empowered to go out and contribute to the Church and communities by creating safe spaces for all,
said Very Revd Canon Jacob Manda, Dean of the Cathedral of St Luke’s, Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia.
As participants return to their dioceses, the urgent call is to build a Church where all can worship, serve, and belong without fear. The conference was supported by USPG, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the Church’s safeguarding practice and public witness.