Pauline theology, violence and ecclesial reconstruction in Africa: Justice, peace, and reconciliation as Gospel praxis

Across Africa, persistent challenges of injustice, conflict, and social fragmentation call for robust theological engagement. This paper explores the relevance of Pauline theology for addressing these crises, focusing on the interrelated themes of justice, peace, and reconciliation. Through an exegesis of key Pauline texts, including Romans 5, 2 Corinthians 5:16– 21, Ephesians 2:11–22, and Philippians 4:2–3, the study demonstrates that Paul's vision is both spiritual and social, encompassing personal transformation and communal responsibility. By engaging African sociopolitical realities and communal values such as ubuntu, the paper proposes a holistic ecclesial and societal framework: justice as the reordering of relationships in alignment with God's purposes; peace as communal harmony rooted in Christ; and reconciliation as the active restoration of fractured identities. This framework equips the African Church to embody God's transformative work, providing both prophetic witness and practical engagement in public life.