Aladura Overview

March 17, 2015 · updated February 15, 2022

Fast Facts on Aladura
Adherents 1 million
Beliefs Mix of Anglican, Pentecostal and traditional African beliefs. Strong emphasis on healing and salvation in this life. Afterlife not emphasized.
Practices Spiritual healing is central. Mix of Anglican and African rituals; a prophet plays a prominent role.
Texts none

Aladura ("Prayer People") is a Yoruba term for various prophet-healing churches that have developed in west Africa since about 1918.

Fast Facts

  • Date founded: c.1918-1930
  • Place founded: West Nigeria
  • Founder: various
  • Adherents: approx. 1 million

References & Sources

    - "Aladura." Encyclopædia Britannica (Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2005). - "Aladura." John R. Hinnels, ed., The Penguin Dictionary of Religions, 2nd ed. (Penguin Books, 1997).

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