What has been most on your heart this month with regard to peacebuilding in Africa? Dr Yusuf: What has been most on my heart is the continuing human suffering caused by conflict, insecurity, and divisions across Africa. I think especially of families who have lost loved ones, communities displaced from their homes, and people whose trust in one another has been deeply wounded by violence. In Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other contexts, these realities remind me how urgent it is to strengthen relationships across religious, ethnic, and communal boundaries. Yet, even amid these challenges, I draw hope from the courage of local peacebuilders, religious leaders, women and young people who continue to work for reconciliation. Romans 12:18 speaks powerfully to me because it reminds us of our personal and collective responsibility to pursue peace wherever possible. What do you most wish churches would do? Dr Yusuf: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18 I would like churches to see peacebuilding not as an additional activity, but as an essential expression of their Christian mission. I wish to see churches become more intentional in speaking against violence, hate speech and discrimination, while creating spaces for dialogue, forgiveness, and reconciliation across religious and denominational boundaries. I also hope that churches will model in their own relationships the unity they proclaim through the Gospel. For me, the WCC's commitment to visible unity is particularly important here: Christian unity is not about erasing our differences, but about recognising our common calling and working together in service to the world. The ministry of reconciliation entrusted to us, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:18, challenges us to build bridges where there are divisions and to accompany those whose relationships and communities have been broken by conflict. Would you be able to tell us a bit more about the award itself? Dr Yusuf: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Receiving the Father of Faith Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria during its 50th anniversary celebration on 18 October was a deeply humbling and meaningful experience for me. I am grateful for this recognition, which I receive as an encouragement to continue serving the church and society through peacebuilding, reconciliation and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. The title Father of Faith speaks to me of the responsibility that comes with faith: to serve with integrity, to remain committed to the common good, and to help build bridges across divisions. I see the award not simply as a personal honour, but as an affirmation of the importance of peacebuilding and the contribution of churches and faith communities to Nigeria and Africa`s search for peace. I also recognise that this work is never done alone; it depends on the commitment of colleagues, church leaders, interfaith partners, and local communities who continue to work, often quietly, for a more peaceful society. Matthew 5:16 reminds me that our faith must be visible through our actions and service. WCC member churches in Africa | 
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