Understanding the ecclesial model of conflict transformation from a study of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Northern Nigeria

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12856468
AutoresOladele P Adehanloye (0009-0004-2176-7611, University of the Western Cape, autor de correspondencia), Teddy Sakupapa (University of the Western Cape)
Año2026
Volumen47
Número1
Fecha de publicación2026-01-14
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaVerbum et Ecclesia (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1609-9982 • E-ISSN: 2074-7705
EditorialAOSIS (PUBLISHER • ZA)
DOI10.4102/ve.v47i1.3598
OpenAlexW7123446266
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas11

Ethno-religious conflict remains a persistent challenge in Northern Nigeria, where religious communities navigate tensions between complicity and agency in peacebuilding. This article examines the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC)’s engagement in conflict transformation and develops a theologically grounded ecclesial model of peacebuilding. Drawing on Adehanloye’s qualitative, interpretive case study and employing Lederach’s conflict transformation theory, the study analyses the NBC’s praxis through a theological–hermeneutical lens. Using thematic analysis, it identifies motifs of reconciliation, justice and peace (shalom) and demonstrates how the NBC mobilises moral authority, relational networks and ecumenical partnerships across executive, mid-level and grassroots structures to foster peace and interfaith engagement. The findings inform a multi-tiered ecclesial model of conflict transformation that integrates theological reflection with practical strategies, offering a contextually grounded framework for churches seeking to sustain peace in Northern Nigeria. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article offers a praxis-oriented theological framework that reflects the NBC’s contextual witness and therefore contributes to broader discourses on religion and society, conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Africa

Agency (philosophy · Conflict transformation · Convention · Grassroots · Peacebuilding · Praxis · Transformative learning · Witness · Christian Theology and Mission · Flannery O'Connor and Thomas Merton · Religion, Society, and Development

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