STEMMING ETHNIC AND COMMUNAL CONFLICTS THAT AFFECTS THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH: THE ROLE OF CHURCH LEADERS
By Rt. Rev (Dr) Innocent Rubiruka Solomon JP+
Church leaders must be conflict sensitive and must be prepared to act to address conflicts and in the case where members are involved or affected, to save members from ethnic conflicts that will destroy the Unity of the Church and harmony of society.
This is because they have a mandate to:
1. Maintain the unity of the body of Christ,
2. Promote peace as commanded in Scripture, and
3. Prevent the destruction of their communal, spiritual, and social well-being.
Ethnic division within a Church hampers its mission, renders ministry ineffective, and contradicts the gospel message that “there is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
KEY REASONS WHY CHURCH LEADERS MUST ACT:
1. Theological Mandate for Unity and Peace
The Gospel of Unity: Scripture teaches that Christ broke down the barriers of hostility between different groups, making them one body.
Ephesians 2:14-22 NKJV – Christ Our Peace –
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity.”
Dividing along ethnic lines tears apart His body, the body of Christ.
The Role of Peacemaker: Jesus called for peace, and Church leaders are tasked with being “peacemakers”
(Matthew 5:9) rather than bystanders in conflict.
The Body of Christ Metaphor: The church is a body with many diverse members that must function together. If one part suffers, the whole body suffers (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), requiring leaders to ensure harmony.
2. Protecting the Integrity and Mission of the Church
Preventing Ineffective Ministry: UNATTENDED ETHNIC CONFLICTS DESTROYS unity, hinders spiritual growth, and renders the church’s ministry ineffective.
Witness to the World: A divided Church cannot effectively testify to the power of the gospel. When members fight, they damage their witness to the surrounding community.
Moral Authority: To be a credible agent of peace in the wider society, the Church must first ensure its own internal affairs are characterized by reconciliation and love.
3. Pastoral Care and Social Responsibility
Protecting Vulnerable Members: Church leaders are shepherds tasked with protecting their flock from harm, including the emotional, physical, and economic consequences of conflict.
Addressing Root Causes: Leaders are responsible for addressing the underlying causes of conflict, such as injustice, inequality, and tribalism within their congregations.
Preventing Violent Escalation: In areas prone to violence, the Church acts as a sanctuary and mediator. If leaders do not act, local disputes can escalate into full-blown, violent crises and wars.
4. Upholding God’s Image in All People
Fundamental Equality: The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), and therefore all ethnic groups have equal value.
Countering Idolatry: Tribalism and racism are seen as forms of idolatry that replace loyalty to Christ with loyalty to a specific ethnic group.
ACTIONS CHURCH LEADERS MUST TAKE:
1. Mediation and Dialogue: Facilitating conversations to resolve tensions before they escalate.
2. Biblical Teaching: Actively preaching and teaching against tribalism and promoting the biblical perspective of diversity and unity.
3. Inclusive Leadership: Ensuring Church leadership teams are diverse and that all members feel represented and valued.
4. Active Reconciliation: Creating spaces for confession, forgiveness, and healing to occur, addressing past wounds that might cause present friction.
Rt. Rev ( Dr) Innocent Rubiruka Solomon JP+ is the Presiding Bishop of the Crown Of Life Bible Church House of David INC. JALINGO, NIGERIA.
Email: innosolo04@gmail.com
