Harare, 21 October 2026 – The United Theological College (UTC) was honoured to welcome the Rev. Dr Larry Burnley, Interim Global Relations Minister for Africa for Global Ministries.
Accompanied by his family, Rev. Dr Burnley is currently in Zimbabwe on an official visit from 18 to 25 October 2026, hosted by the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ), during which he is meeting with the organisation’s various partners in the region.
During his visit to UTC on Tuesday, 20 October, Rev. Dr Burnley met with members of the College Administration and undertook a tour of the campus. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the longstanding partnership between UTC and Global Ministries, to highlight the significant milestones achieved together, and to explore new avenues for collaboration in light of evolving global developments and missional realities.
It was particularly significant as it marks Rev. Dr Burnley’s first visit to Zimbabwe since assuming office as Interim Global Relations Minister for Africa, affording him first-hand appreciation of the nature and impact of the partnership.
Discussions centred on possible channels for continued and strengthened collaboration between the two organisations, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to shared mission, theological education, and service.
Global Ministries is the common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. The two denominations share a formal partnership through which Disciples Overseas Ministries and the Wider Church Ministries of the UCC share common staff, budget, programmes, and governance in their presence and witness with international partners across the global community.
In partnership with churches, non-profit organisations and ecumenical bodies worldwide, Global Ministries shares life, resources, support and faith. This collaboration encompasses advocacy, mutual learning and exchange, the sharing of mission personnel, the provision of financial and material resources, and being in prayer for and with international partners.
UTC expressed its profound gratitude to Rev. Dr Burnley for the visit and looks forward to deepening its partnership with Global Ministries in pursuit of its mission to form transformative church leaders for Zimbabwe and beyond.