THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
The role of religious institutions in shaping political landscapes worldwide is complex and multifaceted. A study by Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku, PhD, during his time as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, delves into the relationship between religious institutions and the political leadership selection process across different global contexts. This research highlights the varying influence of religious institutions on political leadership selection, with notable differences between developed and developing countries. In developed nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, the influence of religious institutions on political leadership selection is often constrained by a secular ethos and a strong commitment to the separation of church and state. While endorsements from religious leaders and alignment with religious values may still have some impact, broader voting behaviour is influenced by a range of other factors, such as ideology, economic conditions, and policy preferences. This ensures that while religion may play a role, it is not the defining factor in the political process.
In contrast, in developing countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, Belize, and Ecuador, religious institutions exert a much stronger and enduring influence on the political leadership selection process. Religious endorsements and alignment with religious values have a significant impact on voters’ decisions. This influence is shaped by historical ties, cultural integration, and the prominence of specific religious groups. The rise of identity politics has further intertwined religious affiliations with political behaviour, which has transformed the political landscape globally. Religious identity now serves as a key marker of belonging, with religious groups becoming central to political mobilisation. This intersection of religion and identity politics has profound implications on candidate appeal, policy priorities, inclusivity, social division, and power dynamics within society.
The study highlights the influence of religious institutions in various regions. In the United States, Evangelical and conservative Christian groups play a prominent role in shaping political discourse, often advocating for specific issues. In Nigeria, religious institutions have a notable presence and active engagement in political matters, which significantly impacts the political landscape. In Kenya, both Christian and Muslim organizations influence political opinions, with candidates often leveraging religious values to appeal to voters. Religious institutions can have both positive and negative consequences on the selection process. On the positive side, they provide a moral framework for political decision-making, promoting values such as compassion, justice, and equality. However, the emphasis on religious identity in politics can also lead to challenges related to inclusivity, fragmentation, and power struggles.
Several historical events illustrate the intersection of religion and politics. In England, the monarchy was deeply entangled with the Catholic Church from the Norman Conquest in1066 to the Glorious Revolution in 1688. Monarchs like William the Conqueror and Henry VIII navigated their relationship with the Pope, with Henry famously breaking away to establish the Church of England. Even after the Reformation, the Church of England held significant authority. Monarchs like Charles I and James II faced opposition from both Parliament and the Church for perceived Catholic sympathies. The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which established parliamentary supremacy, marked a shift, reducing the monarch’s power but still maintaining the monarch’s role as head of the Church. This historical evolution eventually led to a more liberal approach to the separation of church and state, as seen in 2022 when Rishi Sunak became the first practising Hindu British Prime Minister, marking a departure from England’s historical entanglement of religion and politics.
In the United States, the political system is unique, particularly in the «Bible Belt» states, where Protestant Christianity has a strong social and cultural influence. States like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi are known for their significant evangelical populations, which play a crucial role in shaping the political scene. For example, in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump secured overwhelming support from evangelical voters, with 81% of self-identified evangelicals backing him, even surpassing the support received by George W. Bush, who is also evangelical. Evangelicals, who constitute a quarter of the U.S. population, have a powerful influence on elections when they rally behind a candidate. In contrast, President Joe Biden’s Catholicism, though a visible part of his identity, plays a more complicated role in his political life. His stance on issues such as abortion, which supports reproductive rights, has drawn criticism from conservative Catholics, despite his self-identification as a devout Catholic. Biden’s position illustrates the complex relationship between religious identity and political ideology in contemporary politics.
In Nigeria, religious affiliations, particularly between Christianity and Islam, deeply influence political behaviour. Religious institutions hold significant sway in the political process, with leaders often endorsing candidates who align with their religious values.
The 2023 Nigerian general election revealed this dynamic when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presented a Southern Muslim Presidential Candidate and a Northern Muslim Vice President, breaking the usual norm of alternating religious representation between President and Vice President. This sparked a strong reaction from Christian leaders, who publicly endorsed Peter Obi, a Christian Southerner, creating the «Obident» movement that opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket which triggered religious opposition.
The Christian leadership in Nigeria used their pulpits to endorse a Christian candidate, underscoring the influence of religious institutions in shaping political outcomes. Similarly, in Kenya, religious organizations, including both Christian and Muslim groups, play a crucial role in influencing political opinions and swaying voters in closely contested elections. Religious leaders often use their platforms to guide the voting decisions of their congregants, further reinforcing the intersection between religion and politics.While the influence of religious institutions varies across different countries and contexts, it is clear that they play a significant role in shaping political landscapes worldwide. By establishing transparency and accountability mechanisms, investing in civic education, and developing ethical guidelines, governments can promote a more inclusive and equitable political process that respects the diverse interests and values of society.
Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku, PhD.
Governance, Policy and Strategy Professional (Abuja, Nigeria )
