Social Mobility and The Christian Faith of Second-generation Nigerians
Nigerian Pentecostal Mission In Europe: Ecumenical and secular relations in Britain
One of the challenges facing African diaspora churches is transitioning from ‘migrant enclaves’ into communities able to engage meaningfully with the wider white European population they hope to evangelize. While there are debates about the challenges of ‘reverse mission’, scholars generally agree that many of the obstacles are beyond the control of church leaders. Nevertheless, some large Nigerian congregations respond by supporting social initiatives and cooperating with governmental, non-governmental, and both church non-church organizations to meet community needs. They also pursue ecumenical relationships with British mainline denominations including the Church of England, thereby enabling cross-cultural relations. This article examines these Pentecostal ecumenical attempts and the missional benefits of establishing social projects within host communities.
10/1/20251 min read
Abstract
African churches face diverse obstacles while attempting cross-cultural mission in the West. These include the influence of external forces such as racism, lack of under-standing of European cultures, lack of worship spaces and various perceptions that many wider indigenous Europeans have about Africans and their churches, particularly their theological beliefs. These external factors impose real challenges, which are beyond the control of the leaders of diaspora African churches and interfere with the effort to build relations with the wider white indigenous European host population, whether spiritual or secular. This qualitative study explores the different ways through which Nigerian-initiated churches in London are engaging with British society, both ecumenically and as a social force within the communities. There are indications that a few of the larger churches are building ecumenical relations with mainline British churches, although this is prevalent at leadership level. Similarly, they are well-enough resourced to embark on social community projects which are beneficial to nationals of all races and political activities to court the British royal and political elite and are therefore establishing their presence within and creating pathways to British society.
