CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AFRICA VIS-A-VIS THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: AN IGWEBUIKE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article studied reconciliation as practice in African Traditional religion and Christian religion (Catholic), from the spectrum of the Igwebuike Igbo-African philosophy of conflict resolution. Reason being that both religions still co-exist mutually in Igbo society today, promoting and sustaining their values can be of help in ameliorating conflict and create the conditions for peaceful coexistence. It aims at finding some essential elements of reconciliation common to both religions, drawing connection from the basic features of Igwebuike philosophy of peace and conflict resolution. To achieve this, the study will x-ray Igbo Traditional conflict resolution method and the sacrament of reconciliation in the Catholic Church, in order to facilitate and restore broken relationships in the religious pluralistic Igbo society.