Joshua Bagudu Boyi, PhD
Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru, Plateau State.
Email: boyijoshua@yahoo.com
Abstract
Over the years ethno-religious conflicts have been a recurrence decimal in southern Taraba, affecting not only the growth of the Church but also the economic activities and development of the area. This is the picture of what ethno-religious conflict has done to Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria (CRC-N) in southern Taraba. The conflicts have left many dead and reduced the church almost to the point of incapacitation. Using socio-historical method in carrying out the work, relevant books and Internet sources were consulted, interviews were conducted and personal observation as an indigene of the area were used in gathering data for the work. These refer to secondary (books, journal articles, Internet source), and primary (oral interviews, archival materials) sources. It was discovered that several factors such as colonial policy of the British government in 1900, differing political philosophies of the major religions, ethno-political and socio-economic tussles, and ignorance were found to be responsible for ethno-religious conflicts in southern Taraba. Thus, the work recommends among other things good governance, accountability, transparency and equity. The church should imbibe Godly and workable ways of resolving conflicts using Jesus‘ model as steps that can restore inter-ethnic and religious harmony and promote democratic consolidation that will lead to sustainable development, church growth and integration of the people in the area.
Keywords: Ethno-religious, religious conflict, conflict resolution, church growth, development, Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria.
Introduction Sociologists see conflict as part of human existence; that is, where two or more people co-exist, there is bound to conflict. The existence of conflict is not much a problem, but poor management of conflict can be a huge problem. When conflict is resolved effectively, it can eliminate many of the hidden problems like lack of development and growth. Nigeria as a nation and Taraba State in particular has had conflicts of various forms ranging from domestic, industrial, political, and ethnic to religious, most of which have resulted in violence leaving behind damages on lives and properties and underdevelopment of the area. The reactions of those concerned: individuals, groups, and government agencies have in most cases been