Enhancing Relationship Between the State and the Church to Facilitate the Implementation of People-Oriented Laws, Good Governance, and Service Delivery

Adedeji Daniel Gbadebo

doi:10.18290/kip2025.14

Published : 2025-12-29

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025)

Enhancing Relationship Between the State and the Church to Facilitate the Implementation of People-Oriented Laws, Good Governance, and Service Delivery

Adedeji Daniel Gbadebo

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1929-3291

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/kip2025.14

Abstract

This study explores the potential of fostering relationship between the Church and the State to facilitate the implementation of people-oriented laws, promote good governance, and enhance service delivery. In many societies, particularly in Nigeria, religious institutions play a significant role in shaping public opinion and social norms. As such, their collaboration with the state can offer unique opportunities to bridge governance gaps, particularly in marginalized communities. Through an analysis of Church-State dynamics, the study reveals that when religious leaders and government institutions work together, they can improve public trust, increase the legitimacy of laws, and ensure more equitable distribution of services. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, including the potential for overreach, legal and institutional barriers, and the need for inclusive political structures to maintain secularism and prevent the dominance of any one religious group. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on the legal, institutional, and socio-political dimensions of Church-State relations, including comparative studies across different national contexts and a focus on marginalized religious groups.

Keywords:

Church-state collaboration, good governance, people-oriented laws, service delivery, religious institutions

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Gbadebo, A. D. (2025). Enhancing Relationship Between the State and the Church to Facilitate the Implementation of People-Oriented Laws, Good Governance, and Service Delivery. Kościół I Prawo, 14(2), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.18290/kip2025.14

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