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She was the first United Church of Zambia woman ordinand, and the first woman general secretary of the Council of Churches in Zambia. She also served as member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee.
Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation, offered a homily, entitled “A Life Lived in the Power of the Spirit,” at the service.
“It is both a privilege and a deep personal moment for me to stand before you today,” said Nalwamba. “My first encounter with Rev. Violet Sampa-Bredt was as a young, first-year student at the University of Zambia.”
Nalwamba noted Sampa-Bredt’s spirit of liberation, vision, courage, and compassion. “Rev. Sampa-Bredt did not merely preach sermons,” said Nalwamba. “She lived the gospel.”
Sampa-Bredt also remained grounded in the local church, noted Nalwamba. “She opened doors for so many of us,” said Nalwamba. “Her ministry was one of presence.”
Nalwamba also reflected that Sampa-Bredt brought spiritual care into academic spaces with grace and quiet authority. “She mentored students. She walked with them. She helped them discern vocation and purpose,” said Nalwamba. “She proclaimed the good news not only in word, but in how she showed up for others.”
Rev. Sampa-Bredt’s life was one of breaking barriers. “She was often misunderstood. Sometimes overlooked. But she never stopped. She never gave in,” said Nalwamba. “She stood at the crossroads of faith and public life.”
Sampa-Bredt shaped the ecumenical movement in Zambia with vision and courage. “She refused to be boxed in. And not for her own sake—but for the church, for women in ministry, and for the sake of the gospel, said Nalwamba. “Rev. Sampa-Bredt was a visionary. Even ten years after her passing, her life continues to speak.”
Following the service a road sign named after Sampa-Bredt was officially unveiled.
