A Student Debate at Hekima University College

On the afternoon of 17th September 2025, Hekima University College hosted a student debate under the theme: “In the face of wars and conflicts in Africa, has the Church fulfilled its mission to promote peace and reconciliation?” Emmanuel Anthony moderated the debate.

Representing the respondent side, Arinze Nnamani praised the Church for its role in mediating many crises and conflicts across Africa. He stressed that the Church has been a symbol of peace through both proclamation and tangible actions. Examples he listed included the Church’s teaching documents on reconciliation, its condemnation of wars, and the creation of commissions for justice and peace. He also highlighted peace missions, the yearly celebration of World Peace Day, apostolic visits, and the Church’s public demonstration of peace. According to Nnamani, these efforts show that the Church is truly fulfilling its mission of peace.

On the other hand, the opposition’s representative, Phillip Yola, challenged this view. He argued that such activities cannot be used to measure the Church’s fulfillment of its mission simply. He asserted that the true measure is found in the Church’s absence where it is most needed. He pointed out geographical imbalances in missionary work, the withdrawal of religious groups from war zones, and the gap between the Church’s potential and the real impact of its efforts. Yola also criticized the Church for not acting as a neutral mediator, noting that some clergy have aligned themselves with political interests in different parts of Africa. Furthermore, he argued that the Church has sometimes been complicit in atrocities—citing its involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Audience members engaged with a wide range of reflections, some affirming Nnamani’s defense while others echoed Yola’s critique. In his concluding remarks, Fr. Sebastine Adigwe, Chaplain of Hekima University College, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. He reminded participants that conflicts have long plagued Africa and the wider world and are unlikely to disappear soon. For this reason, he urged the audience to keep an open mind, recognizing peace as an ongoing struggle that requires constant commitment.

Phillip Yola, SMM