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Christian Welfare Practices and Ethical Accountability: A Study of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Owobale, Oyo State

Jesuniyi Oluseye Ayomide Job Oluremi Okunoye, PhD

Abstract

This study examines Christian welfare practices and ethical accountability in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Owobale, Oyo State, with a view to understanding how welfare activities are administered and the extent to which ethical principles guide their implementation. The concern for ethical accountability in church-based welfare systems has become increasingly important, especially in contexts where churches serve as key providers of social support to vulnerable members of society. The study is grounded in Christian ethics and social responsibility theory, drawing on biblical principles of justice, stewardship, and communal care as frameworks for evaluating church welfare practices. A qualitative research design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation as the primary methods of data collection. Purposive sampling was employed to select church leaders and members directly involved in welfare administration, while thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings reveal that while the church engages in various welfare activities aimed at supporting members, issues relating to transparency, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms remain areas of concern. The study further shows that ethical lapses, where present, tend to affect members’ perceptions of fairness and trust in leadership, even though the church still maintains a strong commitment to community care. The study concludes that strengthening ethical accountability structures is essential for improving the effectiveness and credibility of church welfare practices. It recommends the development of clearer welfare guidelines, improved transparency in resource distribution, and increased member participation in decision-making processes.

Keywords

Christian welfareethical accountabilitySeventh-day Adventist ChurchChristian ethicssocial responsibilityNigeria.

References

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