Pauline Henotic Ecumenism (??????? - Ephesians 4: 3, 13) in Promoting Christian Unity and National Integration in Nigeria.

Abstract

Lack of unity among the variegated ethnic groups in Nigeria has largely been responsible for ethno-religious, socio-political, economic and security challenges in Nigeria. This has inadvertently militated against national integration and achievement of the Sustainable development goals. The constitution and various government policies established for the unification of all Nigerians have failed to achieve the desired result, calling for transformation and genuine cohesion and love in promoting unity and development as advocated by Paul. Exegetical and hermenetical methods were used. Premised on OOOO theoretical framework. The word ??????? (henoteta) was used twice by Paul in Ephesians 4:3 and 13, these are the only two places where the feminine noun features in the New Testament. In these two passages, they both relate to the unity of the Spirit that produces a common faith and knowledge of the Son of God – ??? ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ?????????? ??? ???? ??? ????. Such unity suggests that ecumenism amongst Christian denominations is not only a possibility; it is also a necessity as far as the Christians profess one Christ. This unity is however far from ecclesiological unionism, but organic unity. The church is vulnerable when its diverse lines of doctrines, dogmas, praxis, sacraments and ministerial structures and ethics are emphasised. This suggests that a cohesive antidote would be the emphasis on the philosophy of unity amidst her diversity and relationship with people of other faiths. This study reveals that Christianity is formed on divergent traditions that produced various strands of practices, which in turn produce different Christian sects and denominations. Therefore, a bonding in faith through the invisibility of henotic unity, which the pericope (Eph.4:3,13) suggests will enhance the cohesion of the church spititually, socially, economically, politically and structurally in the midst of doctrinal differences and ethnic dive