Resolving Conflicts in Churches: Towards a Theology of Conflict Resolution in Burundi

Abstract

Burundi underwent a great deal of intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic conflicts and civil wars from 1993 to 2005. The inter-ethnic conflicts occurred between the majority Hutus and minority Tutsis. However, 2005 marked a new era with the beginning of multiparty democracy and general election. Since then, the efforts undertaken to address Burundi's historical experience of conflicts and civil wars included the establishment of the National Commission of Truth and Reconciliation in 2014. Although there have been gains to unite people, these intertribal tensions persist, even within Burundi church communities. Based on 2017 statistics, 93.9% of the population claimed to be Christians: Catholic (58.6%) and Protestant (35.23%). This article examines the nature of church conflict in Burundi and proposes a theology of conflict resolution. The church in Burundi needs a theology (based on love and forgiveness) that helps manage conflicts and maintain peace among congregations. The study employs a critical contextualization method rooted in the pastoral cycle.