TOWARDS EFFECTIVE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT IN IGBOLAND

Abstract

The inability of churches to co-exist peacefully has been an age long problem which was never God’s wish for the church. In the most recent times the show of shame these churches (Anglican, Roman Catholic and others) exhibit in the war of denominationalism in Igboland makes one to wonder if really they are serving or worshipping the same God. Indeed, one can say that this situation is really affecting the Church and her testimony when non-Christians stand to watch two ‘Christians’ fighting and quarreling over church (denomination) business, many would rather not go to church than to join in this charade. Having discovered the various ills going on amongst churches in the name of denominationalism, this article studied the emergence of ecumenism in Igboland and ways of bringing it into play in the present day Christianity in Igboland wherein the work covers, so as to change these negative happenings amongst church denominations. It was discovered that this development is not the best for the Church considering the great commission which Jesus Christ handed down to the Church which must be carried out with love for one another. Therefore, this study recommends the need for constant dialogue among the various church denominations and their leaders, suppression of denominational supremacy, involvement of all church denominations in the matters of ecumenism among others.