Interfaith and Ecumenical Responses to Violence in Northern Nigeria
United Religion Initiative (URI)’s Health-Based Approach to Prevention
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Abstract
This study examines the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as key cases of ecumenical and interfaith response to religious extremists' attacks in Northern Nigeria. Both organisations have played prominent roles in fostering interreligious relations, dialogue, advocacy, and cooperation, while also facing criticism considering the persistence of violence in the region. The article explores how their work engages both the possibilities and limitations of interfaith responses in contexts of sustained conflict. Among their various initiatives, pastoral care work among internally displaced persons (IDPs) highlights a significant area of engagement, addressing the spiritual and socio-psychological needs of affected communities. Through a qualitative approach, the study examines current practices of interfaith dialogue as forms of support and community reconstruction. These interventions foster resilience by affirming human dignity, rebuilding trust across divides, and cultivating shared visions of coexistence. At the same time, the persistence of violent attacks has prompted ongoing critiques of dialogue-centered approaches, raising questions about their capacity to contribute to violence prevention. In response, the article argues for the integration of the United Religions Initiative’s (URI) “health-based” approach to violence prevention as a complementary framework for strengthening interfaith engagement beyond reactive pastoral care toward more proactive and preventative strategies. The paper offers three practical recommendations: (1) an early-warning network that formalises the threat information already reaching religious leaders informally, (2) a coordinated sanctuary coalition building on CAN's existing self-protection efforts, and (3) a deliberate use of religious authority to counter dehumanising narratives and discourage retaliatory violence.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Akinwumi Akindolie, Geneva Blackmer (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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