The Role of Ecumenism Towards Interfaith Dialogue in Christian-Muslim Social-Cohesion Initiatives in Benin Republic

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##

Published Jul 21, 2025
https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.10.1.2025.396
Download
PDF
Statistic
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Deo H. Avalla Ohimbè Jubilate
St. Paul's University
John N. Njoroge
St. Paul's University

Abstract

Benin Republic is characterized by a rich tapestry of religious diversity, predominantly comprising Christians and Muslims. Despite the generally peaceful coexistence of these communities, underlying tensions arises from socio-economic disparities, political dynamics, and cultural misunderstandings. This study seeks to determine the role of ecumenism towards interfaith dialogue in Christian-Muslim Social-Cohesion initiatives in Benin Republic. It explores the role of ecumenism in fostering interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Benin Republic, emphasizing social cohesion initiatives. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews with local religious leaders involved in ecumenical initiatives. It highlights the historical context, current challenges, and potential pathways for enhancing collaboration between these two religious communities. By analyzing existing literatures and case studies, this paper aims to provide insights into effective strategies for promoting peace and understanding through ecumenical efforts. The role of ecumenism extends beyond mere dialogue; it actively promotes social cohesion by addressing root causes of conflict through collaborative action. The interplay between ecumenism and interfaith dialogue is particularly significant in Benin’s context.   In Benin, interfaith initiatives often emerge from ecumenical efforts that seek to address common societal challenges such as poverty, education, and health care. Through joint community service projects, educational programs, and public discussions on shared values such as peace and justice, these initiatives help dismantle stereotypes and build trust among diverse religious groups. By leveraging shared values inherent within Christianity and Islam, ecumenical movements can create platforms for meaningful engagement between these two faiths. Such interactions foster trust and reduce prejudice while addressing common societal challenges.

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

How to Cite
Ohimbè Jubilate , D. H. A., & Njoroge , J. N. (2025). The Role of Ecumenism Towards Interfaith Dialogue in Christian-Muslim Social-Cohesion Initiatives in Benin Republic . African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 10(1), 245–265. https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.10.1.2025.396

References

  1. Abdalla, A., & Rane, S. (2018). Understanding Social Dynamics. Academic Press.
  2. Adebayo, A. (2020). Ecumenism: Bridging Divides Among Faiths. Journal of Religious Studies.
  3. Adebayo, O. (2015). Interfaith Dialogue: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Applications. New York: Routledge.
  4. Adebayo, O. (2020). “Building Bridges Through Dialogue: An African Perspective on Interreligious Cooperation.” Journal of Religious Studies, 45(2), 123-145.
  5. Adebayo, O., & Johnson, R. (2021). Faiths Together: Strategies for Effective Interfaith Engagement. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
  6. Adebayo, O., & Smith, J. (2018). Ecumenical Movements in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Nairobi: African Books Collective.
  7. Adebayo, O., & Thompson, L. (2022). “The Impact of Interfaith Initiatives on Community Cohesion.” International Journal of Ecumenical Studies, 12(1), 67-89.
  8. Adebayo, R. (2018). Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria. Journal of Religion, Conflict, and Peace, 10(1), 45-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5840/jrcp20191015
  9. Ademoye, A. (2021). Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue: Bridging Divides in a Pluralistic Society. [Unpublished].
  10. Afolabi, Ayoade Akinyemi (2018). Ecumenism: The Quest for Unity Among Christians in Benin. Journal of African Christian Biography.
  11. Afolabi, B. (2018). Innovations in maternal health care: Addressing sickle cell disease in pregnancy. Journal of and Gynecology, 38(4), 345-350. https://doi.org
  12. Armstrong, K. (2006). The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions. New York: Knopf.
  13. Horsley, Richard. Ecumenical Perspectives: Bridging Divides in Christianity. New York: Faith Press, 2015.
  14. Horsley, Richard. “The Role of Dialogue in Ecumenical Movements.” Journal of Ecumenical Studies, vol. 12, no. 4, 2018, pp. 45-67.
  15. Horsley, Richard. Unity and Diversity: The Challenge of Ecumenism Today. London: Unity Publishers, 2020. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/benin/
  16. Irvin, Dale T. The Ecumenical Movement: An Introduction. New York: Orbis Books, 2016.
  17. Khan, A. (2019). Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue: Bridging divides in contemporary society. Journal of Religious Studies.
  18. Khan, A., Smith, J., & Patel, R. (2020). Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue: Bridging Divides in a Pluralistic Society. Journal of Religious Studies, 45(2), 123-145.
  19. Kinnamon, M., & Cope, B. (1997). The Ecumenical Movement: An Introduction. Geneva: World Council of Churches Publications.
  20. Kone, M. (2021). Interfaith Initiatives: Case Studies from Benin. African Journal of Peacebuilding.
  21. N’Guessan, A., & Kone, M. (2021). Ecumenism in Benin: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges. Journal of African Theology Studies.
  22. Ndiaye, Ibrahima & Smith, John. Faiths Together: Collaborative Approaches to Ecumenism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2022.
  23. Ndiaye, Ibrahima. “Ecumenism in a Globalized World.” Journal of Religious Studies 45 (2020): 123-145.
  24. Ndiaye, Ibrahima. “The Impact of Religious Pluralism on Social Cohesion.” International Journal of Interreligious Studies 12 (2019): 67-89.
  25. Ndiaye, Ibrahima. Building Bridges: The Role of Faith Leaders in Promoting Interreligious Understanding. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021.
  26. Ndiaye, Ibrahima. Interfaith Dialogue: A Pathway to Peace. New York: Routledge, 2018.
  27. Ogunbiyi, Ayo. “The Role of Faith Leaders in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence.” Journal of Ecumenical Studies 52, no. 3 (2017): 345-360.
  28. Ogunbiyi, Ayo. “Understanding Religious Pluralism in Africa.” In Religion and Society in Africa, edited by John Doe, 123-145. Nairobi: African Studies Press, 2018.
  29. Ogunbiyi, Ayo. Interfaith Dialogue: A Pathway to Peace. Lagos: Nigerian Institute for Interreligious Dialogue, 2015.
  30. Ogunyemi, O., (2020). Ecumenical Movements and Christian Collaboration in Benin. Journal of Ecumenical Studies. 55 (3),245-263, https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.003
  31. Ojo, J., & Adediran, O. (2019). Interfaith Dialogue as a Tool for Conflict Resolution: Perspectives from West Africa. International Journal of Interreligious Studies.
  32. Ojo, M. (2020). Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue: A critical appraisal of the challenges and prospects in contemporary society. Journal of Ecumenical Studies, 55(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.5325/jecumstudies.55.2.0123
  33. Panikkar, Raimon (2008). The Rhythm of Being: The Gifford Lectures. Edinburgh: T&T Clark.
  34. Phan, Peter C., et al., eds. Pathways for Interreligious Dialogue in the Twenty-First Century. Palgrave Macmillan, 2016.
  35. Pratt, David. “Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue: A New Paradigm for Religious Engagement.” In Interfaith Dialogue at the Grass Roots, edited by Rebecca Kratz Mays, 45-62. Philadelphia: Ecumenical Press, 2010.