UCZ Synod United Church of Zambia
KITWE,–UCZ MINDOLO CONGREGATION: 02/03/2024–Leaders of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) converged in Kitwe Copperbelt Presbytery on March 2nd, 2024, alongside representatives from North Western, Luapula, and Copperbelt Presbyteries to deliberate and review the church’s financial policy, with a particular focus on the 40% weekly assignment. The gathering brought together key figures, including the Synod Bishop, General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Presbytery Bishops, Members of the Board of Trust, and the Financial Monitoring Committee.
In a session held on February 17th, 2024, the Synod executive tabled recommendations to amend the existing 40% weekly remittance policy. The proposed policy adjustments include:
• Synod: Reduced from 40% to 10%
• Presbytery: Increased from 15% to 20%
• Consistory: Raised from 5% to 10%
• Congregation: Raised from 40% to 60%
The policy review stems from a desire to alleviate financial burdens on members who have long been tasked with meeting contributions through various appeals over the past 28 years. Appeals such as Mission Sundays and Home Empowerment initiatives have become necessary due to the insufficient sustainability of the 40% policy in supporting the church’s operations.
Furthermore, the policy revision seeks to ensure that ample funds remain at the local congregation level, where holistic mission work is carried out. An innovative aspect of the recommended policy introduces a minimum annual “Mission Offering” contribution of K100 from each member to bolster the church’s mission endeavors.
The strength of the Mission Offering policy direction lies in the vast membership of UCZ, estimated at 3.6 million individuals. With full participation anticipated from every member, the church anticipates stable income streams to effectively fund various mission activities and projects. The leaders are poised to convene with the remaining presbyteries shortly to engage them on the recommended policy adjustments put forth by the Synod executive.
