"That they may be One" John 27:21, Re-emphasising the Need for Ecumenism in Nigeria

 “THAT THEY MAY BE ONE” (JOHN 17:20) RE-EMPHASISING THE NEED FOR ECUMENISM IN NIGERIA By: Stanley Chilota Nwosu

I pray not only for these but also for those who through their word will believe in me, so that they may all be one... May they be one in us, so the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:20-21)

This prayer of Christ in the midst of His Passion reveals his innermost being and was no doubt heartfelt. For Christ, the unity of Christians is one of the things that will make the world to believe that he is the Saviour. For over hundred years of Christianity’s flourishing in Nigeria, it has recorded remarkable progress with particular reference to structural expansion and numerical strength; the spiritual aspect of the development cannot be left out too. There are numerous groups in Nigeria today, who go with the name Christians, some for commercial purposes, deception and just few with genuine intentions. In spite of these factors, the Nigerian Christians has often being at odds with each other, to the extent that Christianity has become a divided religion. The ecumenical dreams came on board because the Church of Jesus Christ which from time immemorial was founded on the basis of unity and love has been subjected to persistent schism, and disintegration to the extent that even as you are reading this work, someone, somewhere is busy building a new Church; an aberration of what Christianity stands for. Little wonder, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council recognized that a divided Christianity is a scandal to the world and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature (Vatican 11, Unitatis Redintegratio, 21 November, 1964, 1). Therefore, in the midst of this up rising uproar leading to religious division of Christians in Nigeria, thus ecumenical dialogue is needed now more than ever.

Ecumenism: The concept Ecumenism is derived from the Greek word, oikoumene which simply means the “whole inhabited world.” Ecumenism is the relationship with other Christians and Christian bodies and the search for the Christian unity for which Christ prayed (Kenneth Whitehead, The New Ecumenism, 2009, p. 2). When we talk of unity, do we mean unity of faith, unity of worship, unity of doctrines? The unity envisaged in Ecumenism is the unity of purpose.

Catholic Principles of Ecumenism: The Catholic Church has been on the forefront in the struggle for Christian unity in Nigeria. She derives the impetus from the Vatican II Council, on the document Unitatis Redintegratio, which encourages the Church to enter into ecumenical dialogue with other Churches. According to Victor Ntui, in his unpublished Lecture note, the Catholic principles of Ecumemism include: Ecumenism should be everybody's responsibility, the unity is clearly God's plan, Ecumenism is not served by watering down the faith (there exist a hierachy of truth), and co-operation especially in social matters should be developed.

 Efforts to unite Christians in Nigeria: In fidelity to the prayers of Jesus Christ in the gospel of John 17:21, the Christian community in Nigeria has made efforts which are aimed at seeking possible unity among the diversity of Christian churches. The foundation of what resembled ecumenism in Nigeria was dug in 1911 when the Presbyterians initiated a missionary conference on more practical issues. But the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948, and its mandate on the unity of churches, gave birth to the Christian Council of Nigeria, which later on, changed into ‘Christian Association of Nigeria’ (CAN). On her formation, CAN have the following objectives; to serve as a basis of response to the unity of the church especially as contained in our Lord’s pastoral prayer: “That they all may be one,” (John 17:21). To promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people and strata of society in Nigeria through the propagation of the gospel; to act as a watchman of the spiritual and moral welfare of the nation. 

Obstacles facing Ecumenism in Nigeria: Despite the achievements recorded in ecumenism in Nigeria, some difficulties have been encountered which make the goal of unity incomplete. These challenges include: the fear of syncretism. (H.O. Okeke, Milestones in Ecumenism: Evolutions in Canonical Legislation in Ecumenical Matters p.217.) Many Catholics see ecumenism as a step to syncretism for bringing both Catholics and non-Catholics together for the purpose of unification means joining both real (Catholic) and quasi-church together which is real syncretism. Secondly, Conservatism and intransigence on doctrinal matters are also challenges to ecumenism. Continuous denominational prejudice and rivalry has also made the message of ecumenism to be peripheral. Fundamentalism, and holier - than – thou attitude especially among the Pentecostals also hinders the ecumenical work in Nigeria. Ignorance of the context of ecumenism also hinders the efforts towards ecumenism in Nigeria. 

Finally, governmental indifference also draws the hand of clock of ecumenism back. The government knows that a united Christianity will positively affect the socio-political unity of our country. Even the freedom of worship enshrined in our constitution supports the continuous proliferation which is against the spirit of ecumenism. But instead of correcting these anomalies which will enhance Christian unity, the government chooses to stay aloof.

Conclusion: Although the ecumenical dream among Christians in Nigeria still looks forward to a future where Nigerian Christians will be more open to ecumenical dialogue. Let us believe that with time brotherly love and unity will gradually replace the denominational sentiments, antagonism and rivalry, which is rife in Nigerian Christendom. Difficult as this may seem, the continuous prayers and Enlightenments, may progressively enhance the possibility of this goal.