THE ROLE OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF RIVERS STATE

Abstract

The challenge of social development in Rivers State, particularly in rural areas, is immense. The church is an agent of social change in any society. Social development is the establishment of basic amenities in each environment that enhance better living conditions for people. The Roman Catholic Church in Rivers State has made significant contributions to the social development of the state since its inception in the 19th century, when the earliest Christian missionaries arrived in the Niger Delta estuaries. Despite the lack of collaboration from the state government, the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt has played a pivotal role in this endeavour. It can offer even greater services if supported by the state government. This research is focused on highlighting the “The Role of the Roman Catholic Church in the social development of Rivers State”. It provides a brief history of Catholicism in Rivers State. It explores the concept of social development and the contributions of the Roman Catholic mission in education, healthcare, the moral ‘policing’ of society, the ministry of charity, justice, peace, and development, and the institutionalisation of care for the underprivileged. It utilised the analytical method involving books, journals, internet resources, and oral interviews to derive its findings. Its findings are obvious: against all odds, the Roman Catholic church, almost unaided by the State, has done so much good to the State. It recommends that collaboration and partnership between the church and the state in areas of mixed competence would lead to even greater social development in Rivers State.