SURVEY ON CAUSES AND CHALLENGES OF INTER-DENOMINATIONAL MIGRATION AMONG CHRISTIANS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The perennial and endemic problems occasioned by the high rate of Christian inter-denominational migration in Igboland have almost destabilized a supposed peaceful coexistence that should have existed amongst the various church denominations in the area. It has adversely affected the spiritual and moral life of the Igbo church. The church has been reduced to a mere miracle centers by these miracle seekers. Above all, desperation has caused many Christians in the south-east Nigeria to resort to jumping from one church to the other in search for signs and wonders. This is the reason why this study that is calling for some lasting solutions to the problems that have arisen from the incessant inter-church movement. However, for an empirical and analytical study, this research work employed the use of primary and secondary sources of data collection to elicit correct and proper information. While the primary sources include interviews and participant observation, the secondary sources include library data, literature review, conference materials, journal articles and other literary texts. Standard design was also employed for statistical survey to ensure that the sample generated from the survey is random and representative of the underlying population. Above all, goal-striving stress theory of migration was adopted as a working theory for the study. The principal findings of this study revealed that many Christians in Igboland have continued to migrate from one church to the other in search of miracles. It was also observed that 30% of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Igbo Christians have changed to the New Generation Churches. Consequently, it was discovered that there is much division and distrust amongst the various Christian denominations in Igboland. To address these problems, this study recommends the following: there should be a renewal of the church’s mission mandate(The Christ Great Commission; Mathew 28:19-20), an enhanced pastoral care, less dogmatic attitude to church ministry, an expanded employment opportunities, and above all, promotion of ecumenism in Igbo region. This study is however, optimistic that when the above recommendations are duly considered and applied, it is believed that it help reduce the inter-denominational migration among Christians in the south east Nigeria.