Feature story
The meeting convened church leaders and ecumenical partners from Africa, Europe, and global institutions to reflect on Christian–Muslim relations in Africa, assess PROCMURA’s strategic direction, and address challenges related to institutional sustainability, visibility, and partnership.
Delivering greetings on behalf of the global fellowship of churches, Rev. Dr Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf, WCC programme executive for peacebuilding in Africa and coordinator of the WCC Africa Regional Programme Office in Abuja, expressed appreciation for PROCMURA’s longstanding ministry of equipping churches for constructive Christian–Muslim engagement.
“The work of PROCMURA resonates deeply with the biblical call to be peacemakers,” Yusuf said, citing Jesus’ words: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). He emphasized that dialogue is neither optional nor a compromise of faith. “Dialogue is not a compromise of faith, but an expression of trust in the God who creates all people in the divine image,” he said, recalling that Christ “has broken down the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).
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35th European Liaison Committee Meeting of the Programme for Christian–Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), Nairobi, January 2026, Photo: WCC
Yusuf highlighted the WCC’s longstanding partnership with PROCMURA, describing it as a relationship grounded in shared faith commitments, justice, and peace. “This partnership reflects the apostolic vision that ‘we are God’s co-workers’ (1 Corinthians 3:9), called to labour together for the common good,” he noted.
Participants reaffirmed PROCMURA’s identity as an African, church-driven response to the realities of Christian–Muslim coexistence. European and African partners expressed strong solidarity and emphasized deeper collaboration among churches.
A contextual analysis highlighted Africa’s long tradition of Christian–Muslim coexistence alongside increasing tensions driven by political instability, economic inequality, youth unemployment, corruption, and the manipulation of religion for violent ends. Participants noted a shift in several contexts from peaceful coexistence to polarization and violence.
Nigeria and Cameroon were identified as priority contexts for 2026. In Nigeria, participants cited Boko Haram activity in the northeast, rising armed groups in the northwest, land-related conflicts in the north-central region, and weak institutional responses. In Cameroon, the prolonged Anglophone crisis and continued Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad region were identified as urgent concerns. Churches were recognized as critical peace actors, underscoring the need for expanded interfaith training, especially for youth, women, and religious leaders.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, Yusuf stated, “Peace is built when communities choose cooperation over division,” reaffirming WCC solidarity with churches and Muslim partners and acknowledging PROCMURA’s sustained engagement in fragile contexts.
The meeting also addressed financial sustainability and institutional strengthening. While declining partner contributions and rising costs were noted, participants welcomed the full repayment of PROCMURA’s building loan and stable rental income. Plans for sustainability investments, including a proposed 20-storey property development through a revenue-sharing partnership, were welcomed as a strategic step toward long-term stability.
Participants agreed to increase PROCMURA’s visibility across African church networks, strengthen communication and advocacy, mobilize local resources, and review the structure and name of the European Liaison Committee to reflect broader global participation.
A field visit to Turkana highlighted church-led initiatives improving water access through a solar-powered borehole, women’s economic empowerment, and vocational training for youth and women at the Maridadi Centre.
Closing the meeting, Yusuf prayed that deliberations would be guided by wisdom and discernment, calling participants “to accompany fragile communities, to speak prophetically against injustice and religious intolerance, and to strengthen interfaith collaboration as a witness to God’s reconciling love.”
On behalf of the WCC, he reaffirmed gratitude for PROCMURA’s ministry and commitment to continued cooperation for peace, human dignity, and the flourishing of all God’s people in Africa.
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Rev. Dr Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf, WCC programme executive for peacebuilding in Africa and coordinator of the WCC Africa Regional Programme Office in Abuja, Photo: WCC
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Field visit to the Turkana Region, 35th European Liaison Committee Meeting of the Programme for Christian–Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) Kenya, January 2026, Photo: WCC
