Religious Leaders as Peacebuilders in Political Turmoil

The paper critically evaluated the sacred position of religious leaders as peacebuilders in political turmoil. The need for this study was borne out of the dearth of research efforts on investigating the indispensable positon and functionality of leaders of faith institutions to act as key custodians, defenders and builders of the priceless virtues of peace in Nigeria amidst its perturbed atmosphere of political turmoil. It was purposed to trace the origin of conflicts; its causal factors; veritable mechanisms of the helmsmen of faith in this light; challenges faced in this noble cause and proffer practical recommendations. The paper adopted the Interfaith Dialogue Theory proposed by Hans Kung. The theory holds that interfaith discussion and peace between states as triggered by religious captains are essential to interfaith harmony, it emphasises the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation between different religious groups to promote peace and harmony. It is based on the idea that dialogue can help bridge the divides and misunderstandings that often lead to societal conflicts and political turmoil. The paper argued as to whether through meaningful conversations and exchange of ideas organised by fathers of faith among individuals from different faith traditions, Nigerians can learnto respect and appreciate each other’s beliefs, political affiliation or disaffiliation, thereby leading to a more peaceful coexistence in the nation. It consequently recommends among others that religious leaders in Nigeria should constantly organise constant inter-faith dialogues and inter-tribal bridges among different ethnic and religious communities topromote understanding and sustainable peace in the country. They should promote enlightenment campaigns on religious dialogue, through several Inter-Religious Committees of Peace, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic Supreme Council and Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC).