Toward an Activated Convivencia: A Practical Theological Reflection on Muslim-Christian Relations in Ghana

Cosmas Ebo Sarbah  ORCID iD & Manson Anane Adjei  ORCID iD 

Issue: Vol. 11 No. 12 2025 Issue Article 4 pp. 627-638
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202511124  | Published online 29th December, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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This study investigated Muslim-Christian relations in Ghana through the dual lenses of historical inquiry and practical theology, proposing a contextual model of activated Convivencia, a framework of intentional and dialogical coexistence rooted in Ghana’s indigenous values and interfaith practices. Drawing from qualitative methods, including historical-critical analysis and practical theological reflection, the research engaged both secondary data and the lived experiences of the authors to assess interreligious dynamics across educational, political, and communal domains. The findings revealed that, while episodic tensions occur, Ghana exhibits a robust culture of peaceful interfaith engagement, supported by traditional values such as abusua (kinship), nkonim (communal achievement), and ahobrɛase (humility). Significant findings include the integrative role of religious education, the political practice of religious ticket-balancing, and grassroots interfaith collaborations, all of which sustain a functional pluralism. The study critiques theological exclusivism while proposing practical theology as a tool for deepening inclusive and transformative interfaith encounters. Ultimately, this research contributes to global discourses on interreligious dialogue by presenting Ghana as a viable model for pluralistic societies seeking peace through theological and civic coexistence. It recommends the institutionalization of interfaith education and the development of indigenous theologies of dialogue grounded in everyday Ghanaian realities.

Keywords: Muslim-Christian relations, practical theology, Convivencia, interreligious dialogue, Ghana

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Fr. Cosmas Ebo Sarbah (PhD) is a senior lecturer of Comparative Religion and Interreligious Dialogue in sub-Saharan Africa at the Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana.

Manson Anane Adjei, Graduate Student (D.Min Candidate), Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, United States of America.

Sarbah, Cosmas Ebo, and Manson Anane Adjei. “Toward an Activated Convivencia: A Practical Theological Reflection on Muslim-Christian Relations in Ghana.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 11, no.12 (2025): 627-638. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202511124.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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