Role of Dialogue in Fostering Visible Unity and Peaceful Coexistence among Protestant Churches in Rwanda: A Case Study of the Western Province.
Abstract
This study investigates the role of dialogue in fostering visible unity and Peaceful Coexistence among Protestant Churches in Rwanda, with a particular focus on the Western Province. Grounded in the theological vision of unity inspired by Jesus Christ, especially the prayer for oneness in John 17, the objectives were: to assess denominational understandings of dialogue and unity, to explore existing measures promoting unity and peace, to identify challenges hindering the realization of “Unity of the Church,” and to recommend measures for strengthening dialogue as a pathway to visible unity.
This study adopted a descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected during the same phase, analysed separately, and integrated during interpretation. The quantitative design was dominant and measured perceptions of dialogue and visible unity using a structured questionnaire, while the qualitative design consisted of semi-structured interviews that provided contextual explanations and theological reflections from key church leaders.
Employing qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study targeted 10,000 people, with a sample size of 385. The study reveals that a significant majority of respondents (79%) understand inter-church dialogue as a practical and relational process characterised by mutual discussion and cooperation, and that 67% actively participate in inter-church dialogue, addressing both theological and socio-economic issues such as prayer, discipleship programs, peace-building, and family development. Moreover, the dominant understanding of unity (68%) emphasizes cooperation despite doctrinal diversity, reflecting an ecumenical model of “unity in diversity” rather than structural uniformity. 88% of respondents affirm the positive contribution of other denominations to their Christian life. Joint prayer, practiced by 93% of participants, emerges as the most tangible expression of visible unity, reinforcing the spiritual foundation of inter-church relationships. Additionally, collaboration in charitable activities, particularly support for vulnerable populations, demonstrates that unity is already being enacted through shared service.
Despite these strengths, the study identifies key challenges, including biblical misinterpretation leading to disciplinary differences (41%), exclusivism (18%), and, to a lesser extent, historical tensions and leadership competition. These obstacles highlight the ongoing tension between theological identity and communal unity.
Furthermore, the findings revealed that divisions are perceived as issues of character, lack of humility and less so in doctrinal matters. Consequently, participants propose strategies such as leadership training, transformative dialogue, joint prayer, and the establishment of inter-church committees, and advocate for greater emphasis on moral and spiritual formation, as well as the integration of unity as a central theme in theological education. Overall, the study concludes that while visible unity among Protestant churches in Rwanda is not yet fully realized, substantial foundations already exist, offering a promising pathway toward sustainable, peaceful coexistence through intentional and transformative dialogue.
