The theological significance of Acts 17:24-28 for resolving tribal conflicts

Abstract

"Kenya has experienced increased tribal animosity often leading to violent clashes between ethnic groups since 1990, Malo constituency in Nakuru district could easily be among the worst hit areas by this violence. This violence has caused wanton destruction of property, enormous loss of lives, leaving a great number of families homeless. The political and provincial administrative leaders have responded to these clashes by separation of the tribes and resettlement of the displaced victims in new land away from aggressors, usually as squatters. This approach not only fuels new violence but nurtures the desire for revenge albeit to recover the land lost in such circumstances. In this article we seek to establish the Biblical foundations for ethnic coexistence as seen in Acts 17:24-28; thereby attempting to build a theology of ethnic coexistence, before arriving at implications that this theology portends for the Church in Malo constituency of Nakuru district. The result of this work is expected to benefit not only the Church but also stakeholders involved in the process of healing and reconciliation of tribes. "