Garrick Sokari Braide (1882-1918) was an African preacher. Braide was born in Obonoma in the Niger Delta region, and grew up in Bakana. He was baptized in 1910 at the age of 28, and was confirmed in 1912.[1]

Braide offered an African alternative to traditional evangelism. Rather than teaching creeds, he campaigned mainly on the destruction of idols.[2] Braide also campaigned particularly effectively against alcohol consumption.[2]

After successes at healing people, Braide began to be viewed by his followers as a prophet.[3] The decrease in alcohol consumption led authorities, worried about decreased tax revenue, to investigate him.[4] Braide was arrested in March 1916 on charges including disturbing the peace. Braide was released from prison in 1918, and died later that year.[1]

His followers established the Christ Army Church of Nigeria in 1916.[3][5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Sanneh, Lanim (2008). New Encyclopedia of Africa. Thomson Gale. pp. 267–68. ISBN 978-0-684-31455-6.
  2. ^ a b Tasie, G.O.M. (1978). Christian missionary enterprise in the Niger delta, 1864-1918. Leiden: Brill. ISBN 9004052437.
  3. ^ a b Ludwig, Frieder (November 1993). "Elijah II: Radicalisation and Consolidation of the Garrick Braide Movement 1915-1918". Journal of Religion in Africa. 23 (4): 296–317. doi:10.2307/1580988. JSTOR 1580988.
  4. ^ Brockman, Norbert. "Braide, Garrick Sokari Marian (A)". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  5. ^ Ifeanyi, Ibe (4 December 2016). "Christ Army ordains new priests". Retrieved 20 February 2018.