Church of Christ in Nations
| Church of Christ in Nations | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | COCIN |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Continental Reformed |
| Theology | Calvinist |
| Governance | Presbyterian |
| Moderator | Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo |
| Associations | Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria |
| Region | Nigeria |
| Headquarters | Jos, Plateau, Nigeria |
| Origin | 1904 |
| Branched from | Sudan United Mission |
| Congregations | 2,000 (2024)[1] |
| Members | 8,000,000 (2024)[1] |
| Official website | cocinonline |
The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) is a Christian denomination reformed headquartered in Jos, Plateau, Nigeria. Founded in 1904 as part of the Sudan United Mission, the church currently has over 8 million members in approximately 2,000 congregations across the country.[2][1]
History
[edit]COCIN was established in 1904 by missionaries from the Sudan United Mission (SUM), an interdenominational mission founded by German-American missionaries.
Missionary work was initiated by the British branch of MUS in Borno province among the Kanuri, a majority Muslim tribe. In 1936, a leper station was established at Molai.
In 1966, the Church of Christ in Nigeria was formed. Later, the name Church of Christ in Nations was adopted. [3]
Ministries and Activities
[edit]COCIN is involved in various social and educational activities. It operates secondary schools for boys and girls, teacher training colleges, a theological college, vocational institutes, a hospital and a school for the blind. In 2021, the church opened Karl Kumm University in Vom, Jos South.[1]
Religious Persecution
[edit]In the late 2010s and early 2020s, COCIN faced significant persecution.[4] In 2023, due to violence by extremist Islamic groups, the denomination was forced to close over 70 churches.[5][6]
Ecumenical Affiliations
[edit]COCIN is a member of the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria.[7]
According to the church's website, it would be a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC). However, the denomination is not listed as a member by the WCC.[8] The WARC and CER merged in 2010, forming the current World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). However, COCIN is also not on the list of WCRC members.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "History of the Church of Christ in the Nations". Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Isang Elijah Yusuf (April 27, 2019). "A Historical Account of the Church of Christ in the Nations, Sarkin Magu Street, Jos (1963-2017)". Jos College of Arts. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Church of Christ in the Nations". Reformiert Online. Archived from the original on February 16, 2006. Retrieved February 16, 2006.
- ^ Agabo Pwanagba (November 13, 2018). "COCIN Church Raises Alarm, Says Nigerian Churches Under Siege". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Islamists forced my denomination to close 70 churches – but they won't win". Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Agabo Pwanagba (May 23, 2023). "Insecurity: Defend Yourselves Within the Boundaries of Law – COCIN Urges Christians". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Nigerian Brethren Host the Fellowship of Christian Churches in Nigeria". January 15, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "List of members of the World Council of Churches". Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "World Communion of Reformed Churches:Member Churches". Retrieved May 3, 2025.