THE CHURCH AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Conflict resolution is a process of resolving a dispute or a conflict by 
providing each side’s needs, and adequately addressing their interest so 
that they are satisfied with the outcome. Conflict leads to loss of lives 
and property. This paper was aimed at putting an end to conflict in 
Nigeria. The method used in this study is Descriptive Phenomenology. 
The paper identified a person to a person, a person verses group, 
functional and dysfunctional as the types of conflict. The paper also 
examines the causes of conflict in Nigeria. After the examination of 
overt cases of ethno religions conflicts in Nigeria, the study observed that 
the church through some organizations such as the Catholic Bishop 
Conference of Nigeria, the Priest and Religious and from conflict resolution 
in the Bible e.gGenesis 13:1-18 Matthew 5:9-48, Rom 12: 18 and 
Samuel 25 has been trying to end conflict in Nigeria. The paper 
recommends, among others, that the church should educate their 
adherents on the need to live in peace with others, the church should 
always be proactive in preaching against conflict and violence and the 
church should provide employment for the youths.