ABSTRACT

Religion lies at the centre of the lives of humanity. Christianity and Islam as religions are widely scattered family of denominations. This reality of having divisions within the same religion calls for unity before venturing into interreligious dialogue. Once Christians and Muslims are united within their religions, they will enjoy working cooperation and more understanding among themselves, they will experience a harmonious cohabitation and a chance to peacefully live together. This article, “The need for Ecumenical Unity in order to achieve Genuine Interreligious Dialogue” explains how people of different faiths can be brought together and live together peacefully, despite threats and risks posed by religious instability. The author, a Zambian, who has worked with the Muslims in Nigeria for ten years, believes that if people are to enjoy a righteousness of life, they are to respect the mission and importance of interreligious dialogue, and be ready to serve God through humanity. For without genuine interreligious dialogue that leads to a change of heart and subsequently leading to co-existence, our communities will remain in upheavals and underdeveloped. Using a narrative approach the study finding reveal that ecumenical unity and interreligious dialogue must be genuine and practical to bring forth the fruits of togetherness.