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Lumpa Church Founded
Alice Lenshina founded the Lumpa Church in Kasama, Zambia, after claiming that she received divine visions. The church was a breakaway from the United Church of Central Africa (UCZ). -
Rapid Membership Growth
The church's membership grew to around 50,000 followers, and spread throughout northern Zambia due to its focus on spiritual healing, baptism, and rejecting witchcraft. -
Official Separation from UCZ
The Lumpa Church officially broke away from the United Church of Central Africa (UCZ), establishing itself as an independent religious movement. -
Conflict with Colonial Authorities
Tensions increased between the Lumpa Church and the newly independent Zambian government led by Kenneth Kaunda. -
Introduction of Lumpa Villages
Followers began forming independent Lumpa settlements separate from local villages, increasing tensions with traditional authorities. -
First Arrest of Alice Lenshina
First Arrest of Alice Lenshina
Alice Lenshina was arrested briefly by colonial authorities for refusing to register the Lumpa Church with the government. -
Membership Reaches 100,000+
The Lumpa Church became one of the largest religious movements in Zambia, spreading to areas like Chinsali, Isoka, and Kasama. -
First Violent Clashes in Chinsali
The first violent confrontations between Lumpa Church members and local villagers occurred, with reports of homes being burned down. -
Government Orders Registration of Religious Groups
The Zambian government required all religious groups to register under the state's authority, which the Lumpa Church refused to obey. -
Several Lumpa Church Leaders Arrested
June 22, 1964 – Lumpa Church leaders were arrested for organizing resistance against the government. -
Beginning of Lumpa Uprising
Violent clashes break out in Chinsali between Lumpa Church members and government forces after the church refused to pledge allegiance to the new Zambian government. -
Massacres in Chinsali and Northern Provinces
Hundreds of Lumpa members were killed by government forces as violence spread across northern Zambia. -
Lumpa Church Gets Banned
The Zambian government banned the Lumpa Church, forcing thousands of members into exile. -
Peak of Lumpa Uprising
The uprising reached its most violent point. Over 700 Lumpa Church members were killed, and many followers fled to neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo. -
Alice Lenshina Surrenders
Alice Lenshina surrendered to government authorities in Kasama, officially ending the uprising. -
Zambia Gains Independence
Tensions increases between the Lumpa Church and the newly independent Zambian government led by Kenneth Kaunda. -
Alice Lenshina Imprisoned Without Trial
Alice Lenshina was imprisoned in Mumbwa Prison under house arrest without any formal trial. -
Alice Lenshina Released from Prison
Alice Lenshina was released from prison after several years but remained under house arrest by the Zambian government. -
Death of Alice Lenshina
Alice Lenshina died, symbolically ending the Lumpa Church's influence. -
Present Day
The Lumpa Church is still banned, but influenced smaller independent Christian movements in Zambia. Its legacy remains part of Zambia's religious and political history.