ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTS IN NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) IN UPHOLDING UNITY

Abstract

The journey toward unity among Christians is an urgent concern for the entire Church, encompassing both the faithful and the shepherds. This quest is imperative in Nigeria, a nation marked by significant cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. Despite various efforts, a noticeable gap exists in the literature regarding the stages and contributions of different Christian denominations within Nigeria's ecumenical movement. While previous studies have documented the history of ecumenism, they often overlook the specific roles and interactions of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at each stage of development. This paper aims to fill this gap by presenting a detailed analysis of the evolution of ecumenical movements in Nigeria, highlighting the participation and contributions of various denominations, particularly the Church of Nigeria. This study will focus on the interactions and attitudes of Christians in Nigeria that hinder unity, including ignorance of ecumenical teachings, fundamentalism, fanaticism, and prevailing ethnic sentiments. The research employs qualitative methodologies, utilizing historical analysis and interviews with church leaders to gather insights on ecumenical practices and challenges. The findings suggest that fostering ecumenical cooperation among churches can significantly enhance mutual understanding and promote unity in diversity. Thus, this paper concludes with a recommendation for spiritual ecumenism and collaborative initiatives as essential strategies for achieving Christian unity in Nigeria