The remarkable is unfolding in Cross River State and most regions in the country as they witness an increase of church growth and community development.
Cross River State is renowned for its interfaith harmony as Christians and Muslims collaborate on community projects. I think the government has to commend their peaceful coexistence and acknowledge their contributions to development.
The history of churches is as old as mankind. However, the history of churches dates back to the 1st century AD, when Jesus Christ of Nazareth founded the Christian Church. After his crucifixion and resurrection, his disciples spread his teachings, establishing communities of believers. Over time, the Church evolved, with various denominations emerging due to theological differences, geographical expansion, and cultural influences.
In the journey of churches, a Key milestones were witnessed which include Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan that legalized Christianity in 313 AD; the separation of the Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) Churches in 1054 AD. In 1517 AD, Protestant Reformation led to Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican denominations, and in the 19th-20th centuries, Missionaries embarked on missions and introduced Christianity to Africa, including Nigeria.
From the Cross River State Christian Council, there are over 2,500 churches in the State of various denominations of Catholic, Anglican Pentecostal and among others. While in Nigeria, there are about 50,000 to 100,000 estimated churches across the country.
Though questions such as: what are the missions of churches, what are their modus operandi, why increase in number and among other questions have been raised. But from Divine mandates, churches are on missions to encourage evangelism and missions; provide a sense of belonging and fellowship, serve and minister to communities; promote spiritual growth and development, setting the captives and oppressed free from bondages and among others.
Apart from the above, churches plays significant roles in developing communities by providing a platform for spiritual growth, teaching, and mentorship, helping individuals develop a strong moral foundation. They also establish schools (example winners chapel located at Calabar South and Saint Charles Parish at Obudu in Cross River State), providing access to quality education and empowering individuals to contribute to community development.
Most churches have set up hospitals, clinics, and healthcare programs, offering medical services and promoting health and wellness. Programs addressing poverty, hunger, and social injustice, supporting vulnerable populations like orphans, widows, and the elderly can not be over emphasized.
Similarly, some churches have undertaken infrastructure projects, such as community centers to improve living conditions. In the area of peacebuilding and conflict resolution, the are reports for religion for change stories of how churches have mediated conflicts, promoted reconciliation, and fostered peace within communities.
In the same vein, economic empowerment programs, including skills training, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance initiatives have been embarked on in communities in a bid to bring succor to those who need them more. Interestingly, in the area of climate change, churches have taken the bull by the horn to promote environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainability efforts, as well as protecting natural resources.
All might not be covered, but the fact remains that the church is on a missions to bring succor to the needy – spiritual, social, psychological, economical and other needs. Rome was not built in a day, with more expansion and more gospel, many lives will be touched.
Beatrice Ori is a 300-Level student of Mass Communication Department, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and on Industrial Training with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Beatrice Ori, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with
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