Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Synculturation of Igba Nkwu and Christian Wedding in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion
Ikechukwu V. Ezenwa, Geoffrey C. Nganwuchu
16 September 2025 · Vol. 1, Issue 3, pp. 28-34
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E3/2025-A032 (registration with Crossref in progress)
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What is this article about?
This article examines the persistent practice of "double weddings" among Igbo Anglicans, who solemnize marriage through both the traditional Igba Nkwu (wine carrying) rite and the Christian sacrament. This duality, while securing cultural and sacramental legitimacy, generates theological ambiguity, financial strain, and pastoral inconsistency.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 16 September 2025
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 1, Issue 3, pp. 28-34
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This article examines the persistent practice of "double weddings" among Igbo Anglicans, who solemnize marriage through both the traditional Igba Nkwu (wine carrying) rite and the Christian sacrament. This duality, while securing cultural and sacramental legitimacy, generates theological ambiguity, financial strain, and pastoral inconsistency. Employing a qualitative, desk-based methodology, this study analyzes primary church documents and secondary scholarship to argue that the solution lies not in choosing one rite over the other but in their theological synthesis through synculturation. This framework moves beyond unilateral inculturation by proposing a two-way integration where Igba Nkwu is reframed as a cultural enhancement within the Anglican wedding liturgy. The article concludes with practical guidelines for a unified celebration that is biblically faithful, theologically coherent, and culturally resonant, offering a model for the Church of Nigeria to affirm both its Anglican identity and Igbo heritage.
Keywords: Igbo Marriage, Igba Nkwu (Wine Carrying), Christian Wedding, Synculturation, Intercultural Theology, Anglican Communion
Cite this article
Ikechukwu V. Ezenwa, & Geoffrey C. Nganwuchu (2025). Synculturation of Igba Nkwu and Christian Wedding in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 1(3), 28-34. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/synculturation-of-igba-nkwu-and-christian-wedding-in-the-church-44581fe4
@article{Ikechukwu2025,
title = {Synculturation of Igba Nkwu and Christian Wedding in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion},
author = {Ikechukwu V. Ezenwa and Geoffrey C. Nganwuchu},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2025},
volume = {1},
number = {3},
pages = {28-34},
url = {https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/synculturation-of-igba-nkwu-and-christian-wedding-in-the-church-44581fe4}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Ikechukwu V. Ezenwa, Geoffrey C. Nganwuchu.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 1, Issue 3, pages 28-34, published by EP Journals Group on 16 September 2025.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E3/2025-A032. Registration with Crossref is in progress.
How do I cite this article?
APA: Ikechukwu V. Ezenwa, & Geoffrey C. Nganwuchu (2025). Synculturation of Igba Nkwu and Christian Wedding in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 1(3), 28-34. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/synculturation-of-igba-nkwu-and-christian-wedding-in-the-church-44581fe4
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