ROLE OF CHURCH JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMISSION AND CONFLICTS MANAGEMENT IN PASTORAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Purpose: The parabolic role of any church in society: to be a source of influence, in organic and pervasive ways as a free corporate decision- maker in the society. The general objective of the study was to evaluate role of church justice and peace commission and conflicts management in pastoral communities

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: The study concludes that different mechanisms influenced in the management of conflicts between communities. The initiatives made by religious organization in mediating, disarmament, peace mission and reintegration were helpful in quelling the conflicts between conflicting communities. Also, the introduction of county government reduced incidences of cattle rustling as leaders from both counties usually arranged for peace meeting through which issues surrounding them were discussed and mediated upon.

Recommendations: There is need for religious leaders from pastoral communities to be involved and avoid siding with any of their respectively conflicting communities. The place that religious leaders and organizations held in the society could be observed by ensuring that the members of clergy remained non-partisan for the sake of offering spiritual and moral support to the victims of the conflicts. The elders from pastoral Communities need to assert their authority in ensuring that the commands and decisions they make to young men against attacking or raiding the neighbouring communities, were strictly followed and those found to violate could be punished