THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Christianity in Nigeria faces a dual challenge regarding the environment: while churches, on one hand, promote stewardship of creation, the rapid expansion of religious institutions on the other hand contributes to deforestation, land-use conflicts, and noise pollution. Rivers State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, particularly faces severe environmental degradation due to oil exploration, industrial activity, rapid urbanization, artisanal refining (kpo fire) and urban waste crises, which pose existential threats to both livelihoods and cultural heritage. Adopting a qualitative research design, hinged on a historical-eco-theological approach, this study examines the role of the church in promoting environmental justice, moving from the traditional sphere of ministry to embracing ecological stewardship. Granted that the church has historical ties to community development, it has been criticized for being indifferent toward ecological issues and in some cases, for contributing to noise pollution in urban centres like Port Harcourt and its environs. However, the study approaches the issue specifically through the lenses of eco-theological principles of stewardship and justice, and faith-based advocacy from scripture. This evolving role includes awareness campaigns, advocacy and mobilization, and local or indigenous initiatives. The study concludes that because the church’s mission is not only spiritual but also social, it has to be effective in promoting environmental justice, align its mission with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), adopt a watchdog approach against ecological exploitation, and ensure that its own policies and activities are environmentally sustainable. It is recommended that through its leadership, the church should encourage her members to imbibe clean environmental habits and take actions to promote justice.