Project – The Role of PFN and CAN in interfaith Conflict Resolution. A Study of Kaduna and Jos

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Nigeria is a deeply religious and pluralistic society where Christianity and Islam are practiced side by side, with African Traditional Religions also playing a role in many communities. Despite this diversity, the country has experienced numerous religious and inter-communal conflicts, especially in the Middle Belt and northern regions, including Kaduna and Jos, Plateau State — cities that have witnessed violent clashes between Christians and Muslims over the past few decades (Wikipedia, 2025a; Wikipedia, 2025b).

In response to these recurring crises, various faith-based organisations (FBOs) have taken on increasingly active roles in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Among these are the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) — a national body established in 1985 representing Pentecostal churches in the country — and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), founded in 1976 as an umbrella organisation for Christian denominations (Wikipedia, 2025c).

FBOs like PFN and CAN wield considerable moral authority and social influence, positioning them as key actors not only in religious life but also in efforts to foster peaceful coexistence and interfaith understanding. Research indicates that such organisations serve as mediators, advocates, and partners in peacebuilding processes, utilising dialogue, community engagement, and moral persuasion to build bridges between groups in conflict (Ilo, 2015).

In Kaduna and Jos — both cities marked by longstanding ethno-religious tensions — PFN and CAN have periodically collaborated with other stakeholders to encourage inter-religious dialogue and conflict mitigation. Their efforts include community dialogues, peace education programmes, and collaboration with interfaith bodies that bring together Christian and Muslim leaders for reconciliation (News Agency of Nigeria, 2024).

Despite these efforts, incidents of violence and mistrust between religious communities persist. This suggests that while PFN and CAN may be influential, there is an empirical need to critically assess how effectively they contribute to interfaith conflict resolution in such contexts (Jackson & Iyaka, 2025).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Religious identity has become one of the major fault lines in Nigeria’s social and political landscape, with tensions between Christian and Muslim communities frequently erupting into violence. Kaduna and Jos have repeatedly been flashpoints for such clashes, resulting in significant loss of lives, social fragmentation, displacement, and deep-seated mistrust among religious groups (Wikipedia, 2025a; Wikipedia, 2025b).

While the activities of faith-based organisations like PFN and CAN in promoting peace are often publicised, there is insufficient empirical evidence assessing their strategic contributions to interfaith conflict resolution in these conflict-prone areas. Specifically, questions remain about the roles they play in fostering inter-religious dialogue, reducing religious mistrust, and overcoming challenges in mitigating violent conflicts (Ilo, 2015; Jackson & Iyaka, 2025).

Without addressing these questions, policy interventions and peace initiatives may continue to overlook or misinterpret the actual impact of religious actors in conflict resolution. This gap not only limits academic understanding but also constrains practical strategies for sustainable peace.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the role of PFN and CAN in interfaith conflict resolution in Kaduna and Jos. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine the peacebuilding strategies used by PFN and CAN in interfaith conflict environments (Ilo, 2015).

2. Assess the effectiveness of PFN and CAN’s interventions in promoting peace between Christian and Muslim communities (News Agency of Nigeria, 2024).

3. Identify the key challenges and limitations faced by PFN and CAN in interfaith conflict resolution (Jackson & Iyaka, 2025).

4. Propose actionable recommendations to strengthen the role of faith-based organisations in peacebuilding.

1.4 Research Hypothesis

Based on the research objectives, the following hypothesis is proposed:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the activities of PFN and CAN and the level of interfaith conflict resolution in Kaduna and Jos.
H₁: There is a significant positive relationship between the activities of PFN and CAN and the level of interfaith conflict resolution in Kaduna and Jos.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

• It provides empirical insights into the contributions of religious organisations to peacebuilding in contexts where religious identity intersects with communal violence (Ilo, 2015).

• The findings can inform policymakers, civil society actors, and practitioners in designing more effective interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution programmes (Jackson & Iyaka, 2025).

• It enriches academic literature on religion and peacebuilding in African contexts, particularly within Nigeria’s complex socio-religious landscape (Wikipedia, 2025c).

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on the roles of PFN and CAN in interfaith conflict resolution, with a geographical emphasis on Kaduna State and Jos (Plateau State) — locations that have experienced repeated religious violence. The temporal scope will consider interventions and activities from the past two decades to the present, allowing analysis of both historical and recent trends (Ilo, 2015; News Agency of Nigeria, 2024).

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

• Interfaith Conflict Resolution: The process of mediating, negotiating, and reconciling religiously framed disputes between different faith communities (Ilo, 2015).

• Faith-Based Organisation (FBO): Organisations rooted in religious traditions that engage in social, moral, and developmental activities (Jackson & Iyaka, 2025).

• Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN): A Christian umbrella body representing Pentecostal churches in Nigeria (Wikipedia, 2025c).

• Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): The principal representative body of Christian denominations and organisations in Nigeria (Ilo, 2015).

Project – The Role of PFN and CAN in interfaith Conflict Resolution. A Study of Kaduna and Jos