Development and Challenges of Ecumenical Movement in Nigeria

Vitus Chibisi Eke

doi:10.18290/rt.2016.63.7-18

Vitus Chibisi Eke The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Theology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rt.2016.63.7-18

Keywords: ecumenical movement; religious denomination; denominationalism; fundamentalism; fanaticism

Abstract

“The attainment of union is the concern of the whole Church, faithful and shepherds alike. This concern extends to everyone, according to his talent, whether it be exercised in his daily Christian life or in his theological and historical research. This concern itself reveals already to some extent the bond of brotherhood between all Christians and it helps toward that full and perfect unity which God in His kindness wills.” This statement from the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism, presents journey towards unity of all Christian as imperative for all Christians irrespective of nationality and status. This makes ecumenical movement most relevant in a pluralistic society like Nigeria with diverse cultures and tradition, different ethnic and religious sentiments. The objective of the work is to present different stages of ecumenical movement in Nigeria as well as the extent of participation and contributions of various Christian denominations at each stage of its development. This work also aims at considering those attitudes of many Christians in Nigeria that pose as challenge or stumbling block to the realization of unity among Christians. Some of which are ignorance of the teaching and practical principles of ecumenism, Christian fundamentalism and fanaticism, personal-interest, religious and ethnic sentiments which ordinarily had already created a division and mutual suspicion among Nigerian people. Bearing in mind that Christians are “salt of the earth and light of the world,” the actualization of unity among Christians in Nigeria will serve as catalyst to full realization of peace, justice and unity in Nigeria. Hence, this work propose spiritual ecumenism and Christian cooperation as practical steps to the attainment of Christian unity in Nigeria.

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