Mourning the Passing of Omega Chilufya Bula

A great Tree has fallen
– (African proverb)

It is with broken hearts that people of The United Church of Canada mourn the passing of Omega Chilufya Bula, Beloved Justice Leader, Sister, Elder, Pioneer, Mentor, Friend and Colleague. Omega passed away in Lusaka, Zambia on January 31 2023. Her son Mwai Bula shared the sad news that Omega passed away from heart complications after a long battle with cancer.

Omega leaves an incomparable legacy of ecumenical leadership in the struggle for racial, gender, economic and social justice in her home country of Zambia, across the African continent, in The United Church of Canada, and globally. She served in the General Council Offices in the Division of World Outreach as Area Secretary for Southern Africa and Gender Justice, as the first-ever Racial Justice Minister, and as Executive Minister of the former Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations (JGER) and Partners in Mission Units (PIM). Her commitment to partnership led to the formation of the Partner Council, and was instrumental in shaping the Principles of Global Partnership that guide the global partnership program of The United Church of Canada today.

The global ecumenical movement has lost one of its greatest leaders, and Omega will be deeply missed.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

(In Bemba): Ichibote cha kwa Lesa chende naimwe (God’s peace go with you)

♥