INTEGRITY JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2811-2407
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/IJAH
Start Year: 2020
Email: ijah@integrityresjournals.org
Early Christian missions in Umuahia, 1900-1960
https://doi.org/10.31248/IJAH2025.221 | Article Number: 76C29E5D1 | Vol.6 (5) - October 2025
Received Date: 13 July 2025 | Accepted Date: 24 October 2025 | Published Date: 30 October 2025
Author: Morgan Ogbonna
Keywords: Anglican, Catholic, Christian missions, Umuahia.
This study examines the establishment and expansion of Christian missions in Umuahia, Nigeria, between 1900 and 1960, a period marked by significant socio-political transformation under British colonial rule. It investigates the activities of various missionary groups, including the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the Methodist Mission and the Catholic Church, analysing their strategies for evangelization, education, and healthcare. The research explores the complex interactions between missionaries, local communities, and traditional religious practices, highlighting both the acceptance and resistance encountered by the Christian faith. By drawing on archival sources, oral histories, and ethnographic data, this paper provides insights into the cultural, economic, and religious impact of Christian missions on Umuahia society and contributes to a broader understanding of the dynamics of colonialism and religious change in Africa. The study also addresses the legacy of these early missions and their continuing influence on contemporary Umuahia.
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