JJRP Volume 2 Number 1 2020

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AS A RELIGIO-POLITICAL CONTEXT FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY

Ikechukwu Anthony KANU
Abstract

The unfolding of events in the history of Nigeria, right from independence, reveals an incessant tension between the adherents of Christianity and Islam. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual suspicion, hate and unhealthy rivalry. This has placed the Nigerian nation on the boil. In the face of all these, the fundamental question that this research addresses is ‘what is the way forward?’ To find a solution to the problem at hand, this paper focuses on Misericordia Vultus, the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy of Pope Francis I to see how the Christian-Muslim relations, especially in Northern Nigeria can be a religio-political context for the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. It emphasizes dialogue and respect for differences between the adherents of the two religions. It further emphasizes the need to focus on the things that unit them rather than on their differences.

Keywords:
Copyright © 2026 ACJOL.