Examining the Social Integration Function of Churches in Conflict-Affected Communities of Plateau State

Churches in conflict-affected communities of Plateau State play potentially significant roles in social integration, providing spaces for cross-ethnic community engagement, trauma healing, and rebuilding of social trust. This study empirically examines the social integration function of churches in three communities in Plateau State that have experienced ethno-religious conflict. A mixed-methods analytical design was adopted, with surveys administered to 280 church members from twelve churches in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos North LGAs, supplemented by fifteen in-depth interviews with pastors, community leaders, and conflict survivors. Social integration was measured through inter-ethnic social capital indicators, cross-ethnic friendship networks, economic collaboration, and community reconciliation participation. Results indicate that churches actively promoting cross-ethnic membership show significantly higher social integration outcomes than ethnically homogeneous congregations. Joint social service activities, including farming cooperatives and school support programmes, produce the strongest social capital gains. Theological emphasis on reconciliation and human dignity is a significant predictor of congregation social integration capacity. However, 35 percent of surveyed churches remain effectively monoethnic in their social composition despite professing a theological commitment to unity. The study makes an original empirical contribution to the Plateau State peace and religion literature and recommends a social integration assessment tool for churches in conflict-affected communities.

Keywords: social integration, church community, conflict-affected communities, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria