The unchecked proliferation of Pentecostal churches and their noise-generating activities pose environmental, health, and social challenges in Nigeria, writes Favour Uroko (University of Nigeria) in the Marburg Journal of Religion (May). Last year, RW (July 2024) had mentioned attempts by authorities in Congo to regulate revival churches due to the disturbances they were creating for local residents in crowded cities. Uroko’s article shows how other African countries such as Nigeria are also being affected. While churches have historically driven positive social change in Nigeria, they are now the second-largest contributors to noise pollution after marketplaces. The study focuses on Pentecostal churches, whose revivalist and charismatic worship styles often involve high-decibel activities, both indoors and outdoors, across urban and rural Nigeria, with loudspeakers and amplifiers being used during services, revivals, and night vigils on Fridays, not to mention the generators powering church activities. Churches conduct services at unpredictable times throughout the week. Some buildings host multiple churches, intensifying the noise problem. The competitive atmosphere among churches leads to a “loudness race” to attract more congregants.
Uroko lists a variety of consequences. Noise means sleep deprivation for children, leading to daytime sleepiness and poor performance at school. Sleep disturbance also involves mental and physical health issues for adults, including increased stress, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues, not to mention social conflicts between churches and neighborhood residents. Wildlife is also impacted, with birds and other animals abandoning their habitats due to persistent noise, leading to a loss of pollination and seed dispersal as animals flee noisy areas. Nigeria is highly religious, with Pentecostal churches offering spiritual solutions to personal and societal problems, thus attracting large followings. Complaints from residents are often dismissed or met with hostility, with complainants accused of opposing “the work of God.” Attempts by the government to regulate churches are met with resistance, as churches perceive such moves as attacks on religious freedom. According to Ukoro, in addition to stricter rules about locations where churches would be allowed to open places of worship, the churches themselves could be part of the solution if organizations such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria would be willing to serve as anti-noise pollution advocates and sensitize both members and non-members.
(Marburg Journal of Religion, https://archiv.ub.uni-marburg.de/ep/0004/index)
