About the Journal

The SIGNIS Journal of Communication, Religion and Humanitarian Studies is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal committed to advancing knowledge at the intersection of communication, religious practice, and humanitarian values in Africa and the Global South. It seeks to amplify faith-based perspectives in media studies, promote religious literacy, and foster intercultural dialogue through original research, commentary, and critical reviews.

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief
Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Ihejirika,
President, SIGNIS Africa,
Dean, Faculty of Communications, Department of Broadcasting, University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria.

Editor
Charles Okwuowulu, PhD.
Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Associate Editor
Marie C. Obasi, PhD
Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria.

Managing Editor
Rev. Fr. Daniel Agara

Web Master/Arts Editor
Micheal Chinda

Editorial Advisory Board

Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi- University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Rev. Fr. Prof. Innocent Uwah-University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Rev. Sr. Prof Dominica Dipio-Makere University, Kampala, Uganda

Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Samasumo – Director, English Africa Service, Radio Vatican, Rome

Submission Guidelines

Scope of the Journal

The SIGNIS Journal of Communication, Religion and Humanitarian Studies is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that welcomes scholarly contributions engaging critically with the intersections of religion, communication, and humanitarian concerns, particularly within African and Global South contexts. The journal encourages original research, theological reflections, theoretical inquiries, and case-based studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of how faith-based communication fosters cultural identity, peacebuilding, development, and human dignity.

Article Types and Length

We accept the following categories of submissions:

  • Research Articles (4,000–6,000 words): Original, unpublished work grounded in empirical research or theoretical analysis.
  • Commentary and Media Reflections (2,000–3,500 words): Analytical reflections on media, liturgical practice, social advocacy, or popular culture related to faith and humanitarianism. • Case Studies and Reports (2,500–4,000 words): Contextual examinations of real-world projects or interventions involving religious communication and humanitarian action.
  • Book and Film Reviews (1,000–2,000 words): Reviews of scholarly books or films related to the journal’s themes.

Word counts include references, footnotes, and tables/figures.

Manuscript Format

All manuscripts must conform to the APA 7th edition style guide. Submissions should:

  • Be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins.
  • Include a title page with the article title, author name(s), institutional affiliation(s), ORCID iD (if available), email address, and a short biographical note (max. 100 words).
  • Contain an abstract of 150–250 words and 3–6 keywords.
  • Use headings and subheadings for structure, formatted according to APA guidelines.
  • Cite all sources in-text and in a full reference list at the end.
  • Avoid identifying information in the main text for blind peer review.

Submission Process

Authors should submit their manuscripts via email to: signisjournal@gmail.com

Please include the manuscript (Word format), a short author bio, and a declaration that the work is original and not under consideration elsewhere.

Manuscripts undergo a double-blind peer review by scholars from relevant disciplines. Authors will receive feedback within 6–8 weeks of submission.

Publication Ethics

The journal adheres to ethical guidelines for scholarly publication. All authors are expected to:

  • Ensure the originality of their work and acknowledge all sources appropriately.
  • Avoid plagiarism, data fabrication, and duplicate publication.
  • Respect intellectual property and obtain appropriate permissions where necessary.
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Copyright and Open Access

All articles published in this journal are open access under a Creative Commons license. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal first publication rights with the work simultaneously licensed for sharing and educational use.

Editorial:

Faith, Film, and Intercultural Harmony in Africa

Africa stands at the confluence of deep spiritual heritage and dynamic cultural diversity. From the rhythmic chants of traditional worship to the resounding calls of church bells and mosque prayers, faith remains a vital pulse in the African experience. At the same time, the continent is a melting pot of cultures—each with distinct expressions, languages, and histories. In this context, film has emerged as a powerful bridge, offering space for dialogue, reflection, and reconciliation across faiths and cultures.

This maiden edition of the SIGNIS Journal of Communication, Religion and Humanitarian Studies brings into focus the transformative nexus between faith, film, and intercultural harmony in Africa. It reflects on how visual storytelling is not only a mirror of societal values but also a tool for shaping more inclusive and peaceful futures. African filmmakers, faith-based communicators, and media scholars are increasingly engaging with film as a sacred medium—one capable of embodying both prophetic critique and pastoral compassion.

The papers presented herein, many of which originated at the 2024 SIGNIS Africa–CAEAN Conference in Ibadan, explore how cinema and digital media are fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting religious tolerance, and revitalizing traditional African values within contemporary faith narratives. From Nollywood dramas to documentary films and liturgical productions, African media practitioners are offering narratives that resist stereotypes and celebrate unity in diversity.

As this journal begins its scholarly journey, we affirm our commitment to amplifying African voices that champion harmony through faith and film. We envision a media landscape where difference is not a threat but a gift—where faith communities are not isolated but engaged—and where storytelling becomes a path toward mutual respect and spiritual growth.

We invite academics, artists, theologians, and practitioners to join us in this collective vision. May this journal be a space of encounter and inspiration, rooted in African realities and open to the global conversation on communication, religion, and peace.

Prof. Walter Ihejirika
Editor-in-Chief
SIGNIS Journal of Communication, Religion and Humanitarian Studies