Rethinking Intercultural Leadership in Catholic Churches in Nigeria: Issues and Prospects

Abstract

This paper addresses the critical need for intercultural leadership within the Catholic Church in Nigeria, where ethnic groups with distinct cultural values coexist. The challenges of managing a multi-ethnic congregation are profound, with intercultural leadership becoming crucial in fostering unity. The research gap lies in the lack of specific strategies for navigating Nigeria’s complex cultural landscape, especially in religious leadership. The objectives of this paper are to explore the concept of intercultural leadership, identify the roles of Catholic Church leaders in promoting interculturality in Nigeria, and offer recommendations for effective practices to bridge cultural divides. The paper employed secondary sources, it further examines the role of the Catholic Church in promoting social cohesion amidst ethnic diversity and how its leadership can facilitate unity in Nigeria’s fragmented social fabric. Findings indicate that Church leaders struggle to adapt their leadership models to Nigeria’s evolving cultural dynamics, particularly in urban areas with increasing ethnic pluralism. The paper opines that Catholic leaders focus on developing intercultural competency, encourage interfaith dialogue, and foster inclusive leadership models. This paper emphasizes the importance of adapting liturgical practices and leadership structures to reflect the diverse cultural composition of the Church’s followers.