Understanding the ecclesial model of conflict transformation from a study of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Northern Nigeria
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12856468 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Oladele P Adehanloye (0009-0004-2176-7611, University of the Western Cape, corresponding author), Teddy Sakupapa (University of the Western Cape) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Verbum et Ecclesia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1609-9982 • E-ISSN: 2074-7705 |
| Publisher | AOSIS (PUBLISHER • ZA) |
| DOI | 10.4102/ve.v47i1.3598 |
| OpenAlex | W7123446266 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 11 |
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
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |