Project – The Role of the Anglican Church in Promoting Moral Values Among Youths in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Dioceses in Lagos-Island

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The issue of moral values among youths has become a major concern in contemporary Nigerian society. Moral values such as honesty, discipline, respect, integrity, responsibility, and sexual purity are increasingly being eroded due to the influence of globalization, peer pressure, digital media, and socio-economic challenges. Nigerian youths, who constitute a significant proportion of the population, are often exposed to conflicting value systems that shape their behaviour both positively and negatively.

The Anglican Church, as one of the oldest Christian denominations in Nigeria, has historically played a significant role in moral instruction, spiritual formation, and character development. Since its establishment through missionary efforts in the 19th century, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has contributed to education, healthcare, and moral reformation in society. According to the Church of Nigeria, its mission includes promoting a Bible-based, spiritually dynamic, and morally disciplined Christian community committed to evangelism and social transformation (Church of Nigeria, 2026).

In Lagos Island and its surrounding dioceses, where urbanization, economic pressure, and cultural diversity are highly concentrated, youths are exposed to multiple moral challenges. These include cultism, substance abuse, sexual immorality, indecent dressing, internet fraud (“Yahoo-Yahoo”), and other forms of deviant behaviour. These challenges have raised questions about the effectiveness of religious institutions, including the Anglican Church, in promoting moral values among young people.

The Anglican Church responds to these challenges through Sunday school programmes, youth fellowships, catechism classes, mentorship initiatives, and sermons aimed at moral guidance. For example, Anglican youth organisations emphasize spiritual discipline, biblical teachings, and leadership development as tools for shaping responsible Christian youths (Anglican Youth Fellowship, Nigeria, 2026). Despite these efforts, there remains growing concern that many youths within the church still exhibit moral inconsistencies, suggesting a possible gap between church teachings and youth behavioural outcomes.

Studies have shown that moral decline among youths is not only a societal issue but also a reflection of weakened value transmission within religious institutions (Ogunbiyi, 2021). In dioceses such as those in Lagos Island, the tension between modern urban lifestyle and traditional Christian moral teachings makes the role of the Church even more critical. Therefore, this study examines the extent to which the Anglican Church influences moral values among youths in selected dioceses in Lagos Island.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the continuous efforts of the Anglican Church in Nigeria to instill moral discipline among youths, there is growing evidence of persistent moral decline among young people within church communities. Cases of indecent dressing, sexual immorality, substance abuse, cult-related activities, and cybercrime have become increasingly visible, even among professing Christian youths.

In Lagos Island dioceses, the situation is particularly concerning due to the high level of urban influence, exposure to media culture, and peer pressure. Many youths attend church services regularly but still engage in behaviours that contradict Christian moral teachings. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the Church’s moral education strategies.

Furthermore, while the Anglican Church provides structured youth programmes, Sunday school teachings, and pastoral counselling, it appears that these efforts are not producing the expected behavioural transformation in many young people. The gap between doctrinal teaching and practical lifestyle raises concerns about whether the Church’s moral influence is weakening or whether external societal pressures are overpowering religious instruction.

The problem of this study, therefore, is the apparent disconnect between the Anglican Church’s moral teachings and the actual moral behaviour of youths in selected dioceses in Lagos Island. This study seeks to investigate the role the Church plays in promoting moral values and to determine how effective its programmes are in shaping youth behaviour.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the role of the Anglican Church in promoting moral values among youths in selected dioceses in Lagos Island.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine the extent to which the Anglican Church promotes moral values among youths.
2. Identify the moral challenges facing youths in Anglican dioceses in Lagos Island.
3. Assess the effectiveness of church programmes in shaping youth moral behaviour.
4. Determine the relationship between church involvement and youth moral conduct.

1.4 Research Question

1. How does the Anglican Church promote moral values among youths in Lagos Island dioceses?
2. What moral challenges do youths in the Anglican Church face?
3. How effective are church programmes in influencing youth behaviour?
4. What is the relationship between church activities and youth moral development?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀ (Null Hypothesis):
There is no significant relationship between the Anglican Church’s moral teachings and the moral behaviour of youths in selected dioceses in Lagos Island.

H₁ (Alternative Hypothesis):
There is a significant relationship between the Anglican Church’s moral teachings and the moral behaviour of youths in selected dioceses in Lagos Island.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be useful to the Anglican Church by providing insight into the effectiveness of its youth moral programmes. It will help church leaders improve youth ministry strategies and strengthen moral teachings.

It will also benefit researchers in religious studies, sociology, and education by adding to existing literature on religion and youth morality. Furthermore, it will assist policymakers and youth development organisations in understanding the role of religion in shaping youth behaviour in urban areas like Lagos.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the Anglican Church in selected dioceses within Lagos Island, Nigeria. It is limited to youths within the church and examines their moral behaviour in relation to church teachings and programmes.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Anglican Church: A Christian denomination within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
• Moral Values: Principles guiding acceptable behaviour such as honesty, discipline, and respect.
• Youths: Young members of the church, typically between ages 15–35.
• Diocese: A district under the supervision of a bishop in the Anglican Church.

Project – The Role of the Anglican Church in Promoting Moral Values Among Youths in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Dioceses in Lagos-Island