The role of the church to in sure peace and harmony in the society

ABSTRACT

The study examined the role of the church in promoting peace and harmony within society, with particular attention to its teachings, programs, and interventions that foster reconciliation, unity, and social stability. The research was guided by the recognition that the church, as a moral and spiritual institution, holds significant influence in addressing societal conflicts and fostering communal coexistence. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from respondents across selected congregations of Assemblies of God Church in Lagos, focusing on demographic characteristics, perceptions of the church’s role in peacebuilding, challenges faced, and possible strategies for enhancing effectiveness. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to interpret the findings. Results revealed that the church plays a vital role in mediating community conflicts, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation, and providing platforms for dialogue. However, its efforts are often constrained by limited resources, political interference, and ethno-religious biases that undermine neutrality and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, respondents affirmed the indispensability of the church as a stakeholder in sustainable peacebuilding. The study highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, capacity building, and youth empowerment as means of strengthening the church’s role in peace promotion. In conclusion, the findings underscore that while the church has inherent limitations, it remains a central institution in fostering social cohesion and stability. The study recommends that churches integrate peace education into their activities, collaborate with other faith-based and civil society organizations, and implement targeted programs that address root causes of conflict to ensure long-lasting peace and harmony.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Peace and harmony are indispensable elements for the progress and stability of any society. They provide the environment in which human flourishing, social stability, and national development can thrive. Without peace, social and economic activities are disrupted, and development efforts become stagnant. Across history and cultures, religion—and particularly the Christian church—has been recognized as a moral compass and a force for promoting peaceful coexistence. The church, as a religious and moral institution, is mandated to guide individuals and communities in cultivating values such as justice, love, tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation (Ojo, 2010). These values not only strengthen personal morality but also contribute to collective stability and unity within society.

In many African societies, the church has historically played a significant role in peacebuilding. Beyond being a center for worship, it has functioned as a space where communities gather to seek guidance, resolve disputes, and learn the importance of tolerance and social responsibility. The church has often served as a mediator during times of ethnic or political tension, providing a neutral ground for reconciliation and dialogue (Gaiya, 2016). Its teachings and activities are therefore not restricted to spiritual matters alone but also extend to advocacy for human rights, education, social justice, and communal peace.

The Nigerian context presents a clear example of the necessity of the church’s involvement in peacebuilding. Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, has faced repeated challenges of political instability, ethnic rivalries, economic inequality, and religious intolerance. These issues have frequently led to violent conflicts, insurgency, and communal clashes (Ishola, 2018). Such conflicts threaten the fragile fabric of national unity and hinder social cohesion. In this setting, the church has emerged as an important actor in addressing these challenges through preaching peace, fostering reconciliation, and mobilizing communities toward peaceful coexistence.

Furthermore, the church contributes to peace and harmony through practical interventions in community life. By organizing peacebuilding workshops, interfaith dialogues, and educational programs, the church nurtures moral reorientation and creates awareness of the benefits of peaceful coexistence. Religious leaders often serve as mediators in conflict-prone communities, providing platforms for negotiation and reconciliation (Kukah, 2011). Through counseling, teaching, and public engagement, the church encourages members to eschew violence, embrace tolerance, and promote justice in their interpersonal and communal relationships.

The theological basis for the church’s commitment to peace is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. The Bible emphasizes peace as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and describes believers as blessed when they become peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Jesus Christ himself is referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and His teachings consistently highlight reconciliation, forgiveness, and love as central to human relationships. These biblical principles provide the church with a divine mandate to be an active agent of peace and reconciliation in society. The church’s role in promoting peace, therefore, is not merely social or political but spiritual and theological in nature.

Drawing from both biblical principles and contextual realities, the church is uniquely positioned to respond to issues of conflict and disharmony. Unlike secular institutions that may rely primarily on political or economic tools, the church addresses both the spiritual and moral dimensions of human behavior. This holistic approach makes it a valuable contributor to national stability and social harmony (Agbiji & Swart, 2015). By instilling values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, the church equips individuals to resolve disputes peacefully and promotes attitudes that prevent conflicts from escalating.

In summary, the church plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and harmony in society. Its historical involvement in conflict resolution, theological foundation in Scripture, and ongoing engagement in moral and social transformation highlight its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. While Nigeria and similar contexts continue to face threats to peace, the church remains a vital institution that bridges divides, promotes dialogue, and nurtures reconciliation. By embracing its divine mandate and adapting to modern realities, the church can continue to function as a beacon of hope and a pillar of peace in the society.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the widespread presence of churches in almost every community, modern societies, including Nigeria, continue to experience violence, insecurity, political unrest, and social disharmony. Issues such as ethnic clashes, terrorism, kidnapping, communal violence, and political instability remain prevalent, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing peacebuilding structures. While the church is expected to be a moral guide and a unifying force in the midst of these challenges, society still struggles with deep divisions and unresolved conflicts. This creates a tension between the visible presence of the church and the persistent state of disharmony in society.

One critical dimension of this problem is the rise of religious intolerance and extremism, which has, in some cases, escalated into violent confrontations. Instead of being a unifying force, religion has sometimes been misused for political manipulation, economic gain, or social control. This misuse has often deepened divisions, eroded trust, and increased suspicion among different groups (Ishola, 2018). The church, being a central religious institution, cannot ignore these realities if it is to remain faithful to its biblical mandate as a promoter of peace and reconciliation.

The contradiction becomes more evident when one considers the church’s central mission of preaching love, justice, forgiveness, and unity. On the one hand, the church emphasizes the teachings of Christ as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), but on the other hand, societal realities still reveal widespread disharmony, hatred, and conflict. This raises pressing questions about whether the church has been fully effective in translating its spiritual mandate into tangible contributions to peace in the wider society. If the values proclaimed within church walls do not visibly transform communities, then the credibility of the church’s witness is called into question.

Another problem is the lack of adequate practical strategies by the church to address the root causes of conflict. While sermons and spiritual teachings are crucial, they may not be sufficient in tackling systemic issues such as poverty, corruption, political marginalization, and injustice, which are often at the heart of conflict in Nigeria. Without a deliberate attempt to integrate biblical principles with social action, the church risks being perceived as disconnected from the lived realities of its members. Thus, there is a gap between theological ideals and practical involvement in peacebuilding processes.

Furthermore, internal divisions within the church itself sometimes undermine its capacity to promote peace and harmony. Denominational rivalries, leadership struggles, and doctrinal disputes often weaken the moral authority of the church to act as a unifying force in society. When the church itself is fragmented, its voice on matters of peace and reconciliation becomes less effective. This internal disharmony reflects negatively on its public witness and hampers its ability to model unity in a divided society.

In view of these challenges, the central problem this study seeks to address is whether the church is effectively fulfilling its God-given role in ensuring peace and harmony in contemporary Nigerian society. It seeks to interrogate how the church contributes to peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, and social stability, as well as the obstacles that hinder its effectiveness. Ultimately, this investigation will help to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and potential strategies that the church can adopt to remain relevant as a credible agent of peace in a conflict-prone world.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the church in ensuring peace and harmony in the society. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Explore the biblical and theological foundations of peace and harmony.
2. Examine the contributions of the church to conflict resolution and reconciliation.
3. Investigate the challenges the church faces in promoting peace in society.
4. Suggest strategies through which the church can strengthen its role in fostering peace and harmony.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant from a theoretical perspective because it contributes to the growing body of literature on religion, peacebuilding, and social harmony. While much attention has been given to the political and economic dimensions of peace, fewer studies have examined the church’s specific role as a faith-based institution in promoting reconciliation and stability. By providing a biblical and contextual understanding of the church’s role in peacebuilding, this research bridges the gap between theological reflection and practical social realities. It enriches scholarship in theology, peace studies, and social sciences by showing how Christian principles can be applied in addressing contemporary conflicts.

Practically, the study is valuable for church leaders, ministers, and Christian organizations seeking to design effective programs that foster peace within their communities. Churches often focus primarily on spiritual formation but may lack structured approaches to dealing with societal conflicts. This research highlights strategies that can be integrated into pastoral care, community outreach, and interfaith dialogue to ensure that the church not only preaches peace but also actively practices it in society. Such practical insights can empower the church to be more intentional in addressing conflict and fostering social cohesion.

From a policy standpoint, the study has great relevance for both government agencies and non-governmental organizations working in the area of peacebuilding. Religious institutions are often influential grassroots actors with moral authority and widespread networks. The findings of this study can encourage policymakers to engage churches as key partners in peace initiatives, recognizing that sustainable peace requires collaboration between secular and faith-based actors. By demonstrating the church’s potential as an ally in conflict resolution, this research may influence the formulation of policies that integrate religious perspectives into national peace strategies.

In terms of societal impact, the study holds significance for Christians and community members by promoting a greater appreciation of the church’s role in fostering tolerance, justice, and harmony. Many communities in Nigeria remain divided along ethnic, political, or religious lines. By emphasizing the church’s role in bridging these divides, this study can help to restore confidence in the church as a unifying institution. It encourages Christians to view their faith not only as a personal spiritual commitment but also as a social responsibility to contribute to peaceful coexistence in the wider community.

The study is also significant in highlighting the challenges and limitations that the church faces in promoting peace. Recognizing these obstacles is important for developing realistic strategies for improvement. For instance, internal denominational rivalries, lack of resources, or political manipulation may weaken the church’s efforts. By identifying such issues, this research provides a foundation for self-reflection and reform within the church, enabling it to strengthen its credibility and effectiveness as a peacebuilding institution.

Finally, this study has long-term significance because it points towards the future role of the church in shaping peaceful societies. As conflicts evolve in complexity due to globalization, religious extremism, and socio-economic inequalities, the church must adapt its strategies to remain relevant. This research equips both scholars and practitioners with knowledge that can inspire further inquiry and innovation in peacebuilding. By combining theological insights with practical recommendations, the study ensures that the church remains not only a spiritual authority but also a catalyst for harmony and sustainable development in society.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the role of the church in ensuring peace and harmony in society, with particular reference to the Nigerian context. While examples may be drawn from global experiences, emphasis will be placed on how the Nigerian church contributes to peacebuilding and reconciliation. The study was limited to selected Assemblies of God Church in Lagos.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

The study may face limitations such as inadequate access to data from church leaders and communities due to time constraints. Financial limitations may also restrict the scope of fieldwork. Furthermore, the diversity of denominations and doctrines may limit the generalizability of findings. Despite these challenges, the study will provide valuable insights into the church’s peacebuilding role.

1.7 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide this study:

1. What are the biblical and theological foundations of peace and harmony?
2. How does the church contribute to conflict resolution and reconciliation?
3. What challenges does the church face in promoting peace in society?
4. What strategies can the church adopt to strengthen its role in fostering peace and harmony?

1.8 Definition of Terms

Church: In the context of this study, the church refers not merely to a physical building but to the collective body of Christian believers and institutions in Nigeria. It encompasses different denominations, congregations, and faith-based organizations actively engaged in spiritual, moral, and social activities aimed at shaping individual behavior and contributing to community peacebuilding.

Peace: For the purpose of this research, peace is defined as the presence of justice, security, tolerance, and reconciliation within the society. It is not limited to the absence of conflict but extends to the creation of an environment where individuals and groups coexist harmoniously and pursue collective well-being.

Harmony: Harmony in this study refers to the existence of mutual understanding, cooperation, and tolerance among diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups within society. It emphasizes unity in diversity, where differences do not lead to conflict but rather to collaboration and peaceful coexistence.

Conflict Resolution: Operationally, conflict resolution is defined as the deliberate processes and strategies—such as mediation, negotiation, dialogue, and reconciliation—employed by the church and other stakeholders to address and transform disputes in ways that restore relationships and foster long-term peace.

Religious Intolerance: In this study, religious intolerance refers to the unwillingness or refusal to accept and respect the beliefs, practices, or rights of people from different religious traditions. It manifests in discrimination, hostility, and sometimes violence, and is a major challenge to societal peace and harmony.

Peacebuilding: Peacebuilding is defined here as the range of initiatives, interventions, and sustained efforts undertaken by the church to prevent conflict, promote reconciliation, and strengthen the structures that support long-term stability and justice in society.

Society: For the purpose of this study, society refers to the Nigerian context, particularly communities where diverse ethnic and religious groups interact. It includes the social, cultural, and political structures within which the church operates and seeks to promote peace and harmony.