Ecclesial democracy and identity divisions: The challenges of leadership renewal in Evangelical churches in Côte d’Ivoire

For several decades, Protestant and Evangelical churches in Côte d’Ivoire have been experiencing deep tensions that sometimes escalate into violence. These conflicts stem from identity issues and fierce competition for religious power. While elections and leadership renewal represent the visible aspect of the problem, the reality is more complex: At the heart of these confrontations lie two generations of pastors with radically opposing theological visions. On one side, “elder” pastors perpetuate a tradition rooted in the theology of poverty and spiritual purity. On the other, a rising generation of “younger” pastors sees prosperity theology as a springboard to social advancement, religious legitimacy, and even political influence. By tracing the history of these churches, this article deciphers the mechanisms of religious leadership, explores the theological fractures that fuel competition for ecclesiastical power, and uncovers the underlying forces behind the resulting violence.