Research Article

Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Ecumenism for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Usang Onnoghen N¹, Emma Nwobu A², Christian Odoh C², Benjamin Anabaraonye^3*

¹Department of Environmental Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria

²Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

³Institute of Climate Change Studies, Energy and Environment, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Submission: September 14, 2024; Published: October 07, 2024

*Corresponding author: Benjamin Anabaraonye, Institute of Climate Change Studies, Energy and Environment, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

How to cite this article: Usang Onnoghen N, Emma Nwobu A, Christian Odoh C, Benjamin A. Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Ecumenism for Sustainable Development in Nigeria. 2024; 12(1): 555830. DOI: 10.19080/ARR.2024.12.555830

Abstract

This study identifies that religious leaders have major roles to play in enabling the world’s societies to take necessary actions to address climate change causes, impacts, and related issues effectively and ethically. This study vividly defines the concept of ecumenism. Through literature review and participant observation, this study identifies how climate resilience can be enhanced through ecumenism for sustainable development in Nigeria. This study identifies that ecumenism which fosters unity will bring focus, discipline and synergy in confronting the menace of environmental degradation and enhance climate action in Nigeria. It concludes with a clarion call to enhance climate resilience through ecumenism for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Keywords: Climate Resilience; Ecumenism; Education; Nigeria; Sustainable Development

Introduction

Theology is the study of religious belief from a religious perspective, with a focus on the nature of divinity. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. Theology is also the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially the study of God and of God’s relation to the world [1]. Recent studies have identified the role of eco-theology in enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria [2]. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) empowers learners of all ages with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to address the interconnected challenges the world is facing, including climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, poverty and inequality. Education plays a vital role in preparing students and learners of all ages to find solutions for the challenges of today and the future [3]. There is great need to educate churches, communities, cities, companies and campuses on the role of ecumenism in enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria. Religious Leaders in Nigeria should also be encouraged to play in enhancing ecumenism for climate resilience in Nigeria. Generally, climate change is caused by natural and human activities. Human activities are subdivided into those that either emit large amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere contributing to the ozone layer depletion or activities that result in reduced carbon absorption from the atmosphere [4].

In the first category are industrialization, burning of fossil fuel and gas flaring. The latter include deforestation, alterations in land use, water pollution and agricultural practices [5,6]. Climate resilience is the capacity for a socio-ecological system to absorb pressures and maintain function in the face of external stresses imposed upon it by climate change [7-9]. It also includes the ability and capacity of an ecosystem to adapt, reorganize, and evolve into more desirable configurations that improve the sustainability of the system, leaving it better prepared for future climate impacts [10,11].The impacts of climate change is being felt on biodiversity [12], soil fertility [13] and sustainable economic growth [14] in a profound way in Nigeria. Researchers have recently identified the role of eco-musicology and eco-theology in enhancing climate resilience for sustainable development in Nigeria [15,16].

Methodology

This paper aimed to examine the role of ecumenism in enhancing climate resilience for sustainable development in Nigeria through literature review, participant observation and data collection from relevant agencies. The literature review includes journal articles, magazines, book chapters and encyclopedia available online and in libraries. The main purpose of this research work was to survey theoretical backgrounds and previous studies on the above subject matter and the current progress with enhancing climate resilience through ecumenism for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Results and Discussion

Ecumenism also called inter-denominationalism, trans-denominationalism, or ecumenicalism is the concept and principle that Christians who belong to different Christian denominations should work together to develop closer relationships among their churches and promote Christian unity. The general goal of the ecumenical movement is to create unity and cooperation among different Christian churches worldwide. This includes promoting dialogue between denominations, recognizing and respecting one another’s doctrines, and working together to address social issues such as poverty, human trafficking, and violence [17]. In our study, we identify the challenge of climate change as a global problem which ecumenism has a great role in addressing thereby enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria. Ecumenical relations, also known as ecumenism, are the effort to seek Christian unity by cultivating meaningful relationships and understanding by and between the many different Christian churches and Christian Communities [18]. The adjective ecumenical is thus applied to any inter-denominational initiative that encourages greater cooperation and union among Christian denominations and churches (Wikipedia, 2024).

The fact that all Christians belonging to mainstream Christian denominations profess faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour over a believer’s life, believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God (John 1:1), and receive baptism according to the Trinitarian formula is seen as being a basis for ecumenism and its goal of Christian unity (Wikipedia, 2024). Baptism into Christ unites all Christians, despite their divisions. It is relationship with Christ through baptism, which enables relationship with other Christians. According to Congar, “on the basis of the baptism which incorporates us into Christ and the Word which is our Christian norm, [ecumenism’s] aim is to carry out the will and the prayer of Christ, which is that his disciples should be united” [19]. “The Christological foundation of Spiritual Ecumenism affirms that ecumenism is not our idea or goal, but rather Christ’s will and prayer for us. Moreover, Christian unity already exists to some extent among all baptized Christians because of their relationship with Christ. Only through Christ is ecumenism possible. Kasper explains that Spiritual Ecumenism’s fundamental Christological basis means that any ecumenical spirituality “will also be a sacramental spirituality.” Baptism is “therefore a basic element of ecumenical spirituality” [19].

Ecumenists cite John 17: 20-23 as the biblical grounds of striving for church unity, in which Jesus prays “may all be one” in order “that the world may know” and believe the Gospel message [20]. In 1937, Christian leaders from mainstream Christian churches resolved to establish the World Council of Churches, to work for the cause of Christian unity; it today includes churches from most major traditions of Christianity as full members, including the Assyrian Church of the East, the Old Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the Anglican Communion, the Baptist World Alliance, the Mennonite churches, the World Methodist Council, the Moravian Church, the Pentecostal churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches, as well as almost all jurisdictions of the Eastern Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic Church participates as an observer, sending delegates to official gatherings [21].

Ecumenism is an initiative that promotes greater unity among Christian denominations so as to realize Jesus’ priestly prayer in John 17: 21 that all may be one. It is an attitude of recognizing other churches as one based on our common belief and confession in “one holy, catholic and apostolic church”. For Christianity to make impact in the society, churches must come together as a body of Christ to evangelize because no denomination can evangelize the world alone. Ecumenism does not connote organic unity but recognizes diversity of Christian denominations, traditions and liturgies. The word ecumenism expresses the nature of the modern movement of the church which aims at greater unity of the body of Christ. In its modern application the word ‘ecumenical’ denotes an ideal of universality. It points to what the separated churches of Christendom have in common despite their divisions and to their will to attain the unity they ought to display. Through ecumenism, Christians all over Nigeria and beyond can unite for climate action thereby enhancing climate resilience for sustainable development.

Ecumenism can play a significant role in enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria by:

i. Promoting interfaith dialogue: Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Christian denominations and other faith groups to address climate change impacts.

ii. Mobilizing communities: Rallying churches and religious organizations to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

iii. Advocating for policy change: Uniting religious voices to advocate for climate policies and practices that benefit vulnerable populations.

iv. Supporting sustainable development: Encouraging faith-based organizations to integrate environmental stewardship and sustainable practices into their development work.

v. Fostering education and awareness: Utilizing religious networks and platforms to raise awareness about climate change causes, impacts, and solutions.

vi. Building bridges: Facilitating collaboration between religious leaders, scientists, and policymakers to address climate change challenges.

vii. Encouraging eco-theological reflection: Integrating environmental concerns into theological discussions and promoting eco-theological education.

viii. Supporting climate justice: Advocating for the rights and needs of vulnerable populations most affected by climate change.

By leveraging the strengths of ecumenism, Nigeria can tap into the collective resources, influence, and commitment of faith communities to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development.

Recommendations

i. Poetry is recommended as a tool which can be used in promoting ecumenism in Nigeria. It can also be used innovatively in climate change education [22]. Poetry has been used recently to express the impact of climate change on human health in Nigeria [23]. Eco-poetry can be a valuable tool for enhancing climate resilience for sustainable development in Nigeria [24]. Poetry has a unique way of expressing emotions, ideas and experiences which is so appealing and attractive to the human mind. It turns out that there are some important psychological, therapeutic and developmental benefits of poetry.

ii. Music with its therapeutic benefits is another valuable tool which can be used to promote ecumenism in Nigeria [25]. Eco-musicology is recommended as a tool for enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria [2].

iii. Eco-theology can be used innovatively to promote ecumenism in Nigeria.It can also play a great role in enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria [16].

iv. Eco-photography is another valuable instrument which can be used to promote ecumenism and enhance climate resilience in Nigeria [14].

Conclusion

From all indications, peace cannot reign in Nigeria when there is no love for one another. It is not also possible for progress, positive growth and development to take their proper place in the body of Christ when there is no unity. It is pertinent for the body of Christ to come together as one to combat the global challenge of climate change which is threatening the world. Christian religious leaders will therefore play a great role in promoting ecumenism and enhancing climate resilience for sustainable development in Nigeria. There is need for deeper research on enhancing climate resilience through ecumenism for sustainable development in Nigeria.

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