Project Abstract

Abstract
This study aims to explore the role of the church in sustaining peace in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Jama'a Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State. Nigeria, a country with a diverse population and a history of religious and ethnic conflicts, has been facing challenges related to peace and security. The church, as a prominent religious institution in Nigeria, has the potential to play a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation within communities. The research will employ a case study approach, focusing on Jama'a LGA in Kaduna State, which has experienced interreligious and intercommunal conflicts in the past. By examining the activities and initiatives of churches in this area, the study aims to understand how the church contributes to peacebuilding efforts and conflict resolution processes. The research will involve qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to gather data from church leaders, members, and community stakeholders. The study will also investigate the challenges and opportunities faced by the church in sustaining peace in Jama'a LGA. Factors such as political interference, resource constraints, and interreligious tensions may impact the effectiveness of the church's peacebuilding efforts. By identifying these challenges, the research aims to provide recommendations for enhancing the role of the church in promoting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature on the role of religious institutions in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. By focusing on a specific case study in Nigeria, this research aims to provide insights that are relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the field of peace and conflict studies. The study also seeks to highlight the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in building sustainable peace in diverse societies like Nigeria. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the critical role that the church plays in sustaining peace in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Jama'a LGA in Kaduna State. By understanding the experiences and perspectives of church leaders and members, this study aims to inform strategies for enhancing the church's contributions to peacebuilding efforts and promoting social cohesion in Nigeria.

Project Overview

 INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Christian tradition has made significant contributions to world peace at a number of different levels (Albert, 2011). Among these are public statements by Church leaders, programs of action at local and international levels, organisations dedicated to bringing about peace, courses of study, commemorative days etc. In recent decades, Church leaders have frequently made statements in support of peace. In some cases these statements have been specific appeals for peace in particular circumstances, however, on other occasions they have also published more comprehensive statements on the need for peace and the means of achieving it. The teachings of Christianity which is guided by the dictates of the bible (word of God) has constantly encourage the members to ensure peace and harmony in the society.

Christian leaders have always publicly stand for societal peace and harmony and against violence. It is now widely accepted that violent conflict is the major hindrance to the development of the African continent and Nigeria in particular. It inflicts human sufferings through death, destruction of livelihoods, constant displacement and insecurity (Barash, 2000). Violent conflict disrupts the process of production, creates conditions for pillage of the country’s resources and diverts their application from development purposes to servicing war. Violent conflict is thus responsible for perpetuating misery and under development in the country-Nigeria and the continent at large (Adetula, 2006).

 

Peace is a universal phenomenon that everyone desires and wishes to enjoy endlessly. Traditions, cultures, religions and societies do have different prescriptions to attaining and enjoying peace. Whenever and wherever there is peace there tends to be development and longevity is enjoyed (Salawu, 2010). To this end, Christianity which is one of the predominant religions in the world today teaches peace and encourages all adherents to the faiths to pursue peace and live peacefully with one another. The above statement now seems to be questionable with the rise of intra, inter and ethno-religious conflicts in the world. While most Arab and some European countries are faced with intra-religious conflicts, an African country like Nigeria is faced with both intra and inter-religious conflicts. Nigeria, which is popularly known as Africa’s most populous black nation with a population of now about 170 million people, with more than 250 ethnic groups has Christianity and Islam as its predominant religions, though there is still in existence the African Traditional Religion (ATR).

Christianity as a word means followers of Christ or Christ like. Christians therefore are those who follow and act the teaching of Christ in all ways of life. One of the climaxes of Christianity or Christian virtue is peace. Christians are enjoined in the Bible to embrace and live peacefully with their neighbors’. The following scriptures confirm this: Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34 vs 14).