Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo, has described outgoing Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) General Secretary, Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya, as a principled and courageous leader who devoted his time to the service of God and protection of vulnerable people.
Dr. Sambo was speaking at the farewell service held last Saturday, on the 31st of January 2026, at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka in honour of Bishop Chikoya’s eight-year service as CCZ General Secretary.
Dr. Sambo, who was the Guest of Honour at the farewell service, said Bishop Chikoya was a model for servant leadership.
“Bishop Chikoya consistently used his platform as a prophetic voice, advocating for human rights, social justice, and protection of vulnerable groups amid Zambia’s social and economic challenges,” Dr. Sambo said.
The Chairperson praised Bishop Chikoya for his tireless service as CCZ General Secretary and Human Rights Commissioner, the roles he played with integrity, moral courage, and professionalism.
She said CCZ grew stronger and became more resilient and firmly anchored in its core values under Bishop Chikoya’s leadership.
In the same vein, CCZ President, Rev. Ackson Banda, described Bishop Chikoya as a selfless, principled and deeply committed servant of God.
Rev. Banda said, “Bishop Chikoya strengthened ecumenical unity, promoted dialogue, mutual respect, prayer, and guided the Council through challenging moments with wisdom and humility.”
He added that Bishop Chikoya was leaving behind a strong legacy, reflected in improved relationships and institutional resilience.
Meanwhile, Bishop Chikoya said, as he delivered his farewell sermon, that his work was an awkward, but necessary ministry as it required him to speak truth to power for the protection of the interests of many vulnerable Zambians.
Bishop Chikoya called for peace and the uprooting of negative vices, such as corruption, injustice, tribalism, moral decay, and abuse of authority, and urged the clergy to minister the truth to those in authority.
Bishop Chikoya’s farewell service was attended by distinguished men and women from the church, civil society, and government, including the Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga.
The Bishop will now serve the Church in a new role as Bishop of the Anglican Central Diocese of Zambia, while the Canon Rev. James Phiri takes over CCZ General Secretary.
