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Document Details : Title: African Domestic Church Beyond Religious Division Subtitle: A Diocesan Example from Nigeria Author(s): OBANADO, Gregory A. Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Date: 2011 Pages: 84-95 DOI: 10.2143/INT.17.1.2126634 Abstract : This article describes the African family, but also acknowledges that it is gradually changing due to social and economic exigencies of today. The paper looks in particular at the situation in the Afemai area of Nigeria where family solidarity goes beyond religious division. The diocese Auchi in Edo State in Midwestern Nigeria is presented as a place where despite of the increase in religious fundamentalism and fanaticism in other parts of Nigeria, peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims has continued to be maintained. Muslims are regarded as brothers and sisters of Christians, sharing common destiny and living the exigencies of daily live together as family. In this area religious violence has not been experienced. This is in sharp contrast with the situation in Northern Nigeria, where is it difficult for non-Muslims to live with Muslims. This paper considers the church as family. This idea of 'Church-as-family', already reiterated in the 2004 African Synod, suggests that the church could transpose the value of the family to a higher level to include non-Christians as members of the extended family of God. The author shows how this also includes inter-religious peace and harmony. |
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