UCZ Synod United Church of Zambia
On Thursday 1st June, 2023 the United Church of Zambia got up to a sad news of the passing of the retired Rev.Bishop Godfrey Mwansa Sikazwe.
The late Rev.Bishop Mwansa Sikazwe passed on in Kasama General Hospital after an illness, Northern Presbytery Bishop Rev.Maybin Mulenga confirmed the development.
Reverend. Bishop Sikazwe was a beacon of light, spreading love, faith, and compassion throughout the community.
Besides, he was one of the few surviving Church Patriarchs who served in different portfolios and left an ineffaceable mark in the life of the Church as a result of his distinguished service.
Born on 5th March, 1936, Reverend Sikazwe felt a profound calling to devote his life to the service of God and was Ordained in 1965.
After he completed his studies, Rev.Bishop Sikazwe was first stationed on the Copper belt Presbytery in Luanshya, where he served from 1965 – 1972.
He was later elected as Moderator for the Copper belt Presbytery where he served from 1973 up to 1984.
He was then elected as UCZ Synod Moderator in 1984, the office he served until his retirement from active ministry in 1996.
As part of Ministerial engagements, Rev.Bishop Sikazwe had several stints locally and abroad. In 1969, the Church sent Rev.Bishop Sikazwe to Kenya and Britain for training in Industry Cities. The training Begun in January 1969 and finished in June 1970.
Among other engagements where he represented the Church, Rev. Bishop Sikazwe was invited to participate in a three-month ‘ faith shale conference’ held in the UK in 1984.
Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Sikazwe was an advocate for social justice and community engagement. He actively sought to address the needs of the less fortunate, working tirelessly to alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
Whether organizing charitable events, visiting the sick and elderly, or comforting the grieving, he embraced his role as a shepherd, leading his flock with unwavering devotion.
Bishop Sikazwe was not only a spiritual guide but also a beloved friend, mentor, and confidant to many.
While the Church mourns the loss of Reverend Bishop Godfrey Mwansa Sikazwe, the Church also celebrates his life and immense contribution to the wellbeing of humanity.
His teachings, unwavering faith, and compassionate spirit will continue to guide those coming after him on spiritual journey.
While keeping the family in prayer and thought, the Church remembers Rev.Bishop Sikazwe with love and gratitude as a man of few words, yet full of wisdom.
Northern Presbytery Bishop, Rev.Maybin Chisanga confirmed that the late Rev.Bishop Sikazwe will be interred on Monday, 5th June ,2023.
“We have lost a fountain of Knowledge, wisdom and a custodian of peace at time when the Church is in need of Patriarchs Matriarchs to provide guidance”, Says Rev.Bishop Mulenga.
Burial will be preceded by a Church Service at Bethel Congregation in Kasama at 08:30 hours.
Reverend Bishop Sikazwe is survived by a spouse, 10 children , 20 grand children and 2 great grand Children
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
