Project – The Role of PFN and CAN in Protecting Christians and Churches during Persecution

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Christianity in Nigeria has experienced significant growth since the 19th century, becoming one of the dominant religions in the nation alongside Islam and African Traditional Religion. However, this growth has not been without challenges. Over the past few decades, Nigerian Christians and churches have faced various forms of persecution, particularly in the northern regions, where violent attacks, church burnings, abductions, and killings have become alarmingly frequent (Ibrahim, 2020; Onuoha, 2014). These persecutions have raised deep concerns about religious freedom, national security, and the role of Christian organizations in safeguarding the faithful.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) are two major umbrella bodies representing the interests of Christians across denominational lines. CAN, established in 1976, serves as the central ecumenical organization that unites all Christian blocs in Nigeria—including Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, and Pentecostal groups—while the PFN, founded in 1985, represents Pentecostal and Charismatic churches and operates as one of CAN’s blocs (Adebayo, 2021). Both organizations play pivotal roles in advocating for religious freedom, defending the rights of Christians, and ensuring the safety and welfare of the Church in Nigeria.

Persecution against Christians in Nigeria manifests in multiple forms: physical violence, discrimination, destruction of places of worship, denial of political representation, and socio-economic marginalization (Aliyu, 2021). Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have particularly targeted Christian communities through systematic attacks that have led to displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of church infrastructure (Musa, 2022). These violent acts not only endanger the Church but also undermine national unity and peace.

In response, the PFN and CAN have engaged in several initiatives aimed at protecting Christians and churches. These include advocacy and dialogue with government authorities, legal intervention, provision of relief materials to victims, security awareness campaigns, and interfaith peace initiatives (Okonkwo, 2020). They also serve as a unifying voice for Christians in the public sphere, defending religious rights and drawing international attention to the plight of persecuted believers (Nwachukwu, 2021).

The biblical foundation for such actions lies in Christ’s command to love one another and bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2; John 15:12). The Church is called not only to pray but also to act responsibly in ensuring the protection and preservation of life. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the specific roles played by PFN and CAN in protecting Christians and churches during periods of persecution in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Religious persecution against Christians has become a recurring issue in Nigeria, leading to the destruction of churches, abduction of clerics, and killing of worshippers, especially in the northern and middle-belt regions (Aremu, 2020). Despite Nigeria’s constitutional provision for religious freedom, there have been several incidents suggesting inadequate protection for Christians and their places of worship. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of both governmental and ecclesiastical responses.

While the Nigerian government has been criticized for its slow or inadequate response to religious violence, the Church—through the PFN and CAN—has been at the forefront of advocacy and intervention. However, the extent to which these Christian bodies have successfully protected their members and churches remains unclear. Some critics argue that their actions have been largely reactive and limited to issuing press statements, while others acknowledge their contributions in legal defense, humanitarian support, and peace advocacy (Olagunju, 2022).

This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the actual role and effectiveness of the PFN and CAN in protecting Christians and churches during persecution, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the role of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in protecting Christians and churches during persecution in Nigeria.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the nature and patterns of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

2. Identify the strategies employed by PFN and CAN in protecting Christians and church properties.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of PFN and CAN’s interventions in mitigating the impact of persecution.

4. Explore the challenges faced by these organizations in their protective and advocacy roles.

5. Propose recommendations to enhance the capacity of PFN and CAN in defending the Church during persecution.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the major forms of Christian persecution in Nigeria?

2. How do PFN and CAN protect Christians and church institutions during persecution?

3. How effective have these organizations been in addressing religious violence and discrimination?

4. What challenges limit their efforts to protect Christians and churches?

5. What measures can strengthen PFN and CAN’s capacity for advocacy and protection?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

• H₀: PFN and CAN have no significant role in protecting Christians and churches during persecution in Nigeria.

• H₁: PFN and CAN play a significant role in protecting Christians and churches during persecution in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, it provides scholarly insight into the intersection between religion, human rights, and security in Nigeria, focusing on the Church’s institutional response to persecution.

Secondly, it contributes to theological and ecclesiological understanding of the Church’s responsibility in promoting peace, justice, and protection for its members.

Thirdly, the findings will benefit Christian leaders, policymakers, and security agencies by identifying practical ways to strengthen cooperation between religious institutions and the state in ensuring religious freedom.

Finally, it will serve as a useful resource for future researchers, theologians, and peace practitioners studying the role of faith-based organizations in conflict management and human rights advocacy.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the activities of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in protecting Christians and churches during persecution. Geographically, it emphasizes regions of Nigeria most affected by religious violence, such as Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue States. The temporal scope covers 2010 to 2024, a period marked by intensified insurgency and religious conflict. The study is limited to the examination of PFN and CAN’s protective, advocacy, and humanitarian roles.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may face limitations such as difficulty in accessing official security data, sensitivity surrounding religious violence, and possible respondent bias among church leaders or victims. Financial and time constraints may also limit the scope of fieldwork. Nevertheless, the researcher will mitigate these challenges through triangulation—using interviews, questionnaires, and secondary sources to ensure reliability and validity.

1.9 Definition of Key Terms

• PFN (Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria): A national Christian body that represents Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in Nigeria, promoting unity, evangelism, and advocacy.

• CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria): The umbrella organization representing all Christian denominations in Nigeria, established to promote unity, defend Christian rights, and engage with government on issues affecting Christians.

• Persecution: Systematic mistreatment, hostility, or violence against individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs.

• Protection: Measures taken to ensure safety, security, and welfare of individuals or institutions under threat.

• Church: A community or institution of Christian believers organized for worship, fellowship, and societal engagement.

Project – The Role of PFN and CAN in Protecting Christians and Churches during Persecution