Understanding the Reasons for the Unity of Roman Catholics in Nigeria in the Midst of Rising Pentecostalism
Résumé
This study examines the reasons why Roman Catholic congregants remain faithful to their mother church, notwithstanding the many attractions of Pentecostal churches. The rising number of Pentecostal churches is something that should have given the Roman Catholic Church something to worry about. Rather, Pentecostalismhas served as an environment where Roman Catholics go to find solutions to their problems – which may be physical or spiritual – and then return to their mother church. One begins to wonder what makes it so difficult for Roman Catholics to leave their church completely and become members of Pentecostal faith communities. Existing literature has failed to provide reasons for the unity of Roman Catholics in the midst of the proliferation of Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Data was gathered from periodicals, gazettes, Roman Catholic archives, and relevant academic literature. Documentary analysis was adopted. The findings showed that Roman Catholics see the Roman Catholic Church as the first church, their family church, a church less exposed to exploitative tendencies through prophecies, and a church that synchronises African language and culture with its worship, among others. Notwithstanding that some Roman Catholics attend Pentecostal churches for one reason or another, including seeking solutions to their spiritual problems, most times they return to the Roman Catholic Church due to their perceived fulfilment.
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