STRUCTURED MEDIATION SYSTEMS ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AMONG PRIESTS IN THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LUSAKA

Conflicts among priests may lead to the deterioration of fraternity, collaboration, and pastoral work. If not well managed, such conflicts can result in divisions that negatively affect interpersonal relationships among the clergy. This study sought to assess the influence of structured mediation systems on interpersonal relations among priests in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised 91 diocesan priests and 164 religious priests serving in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka. A sample size of 156 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula, and participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, employing both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics to examine relationships among the study variables. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between church-led conflict resolution mechanisms and interpersonal relations among priests. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between structured mediation systems and interpersonal relations among priests (r = 0.347, p<.001). Similarly, restorative and dialogical strategies showed a positive correlation with interpersonal relations (r = 0.355, p<.001). Leadership involvement demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with interpersonal relations (r = 0.351, p<.001), while conflict resolution capacity building exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.410, p<.001). The study recommends institutionalizing structured mediation, dialogical approaches, leadership involvement, and conflict resolution capacity building as pillars of unity in ministry. Priests can achieve this through training, workshops, and collaborative learning to foster trust, fairness, and transparency in their relationships. These strategies promote sustainable cooperation, resilience, and harmony, both in interpersonal relationships and in the Church’s mission.