“Domingos, is that you?” Imagine these words echoing as Domingos de Sá returned to Porto. He came from São Paulo in Brazil. It was 1938. He brought with him a new faith. It was the Congregação Cristã no Brasil.
Today we stand before the Congregação Cristã. This is in Portugal. Its origins are humble but its story is powerful. Domingos de Sá’s return marked the beginning. He had encountered the Congregação Cristã during his time in Brazil. He felt compelled to bring it back to his homeland.
The early days were challenging. The original group met in Porto. During the Salazar regime, the Congregação Cristã faced persecution. This led many believers to emigrate. They went to France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. They also went to Switzerland and Belgium. These emigrants established Congregações Cristãs in their new countries.
After the Carnation Revolution in 1974, things changed. The Congregação Cristã in Portugal was finally officialized. The first public meeting place opened in Porto. This marked a new chapter for the church.
The Congregação Cristã continued to grow. In the 1990s, a wave of Brazilians arrived in Portugal. Many settled around Lisbon and in the south. This influx further shaped the church.
The first prayer room was on Rua do Bonjardim number 1061 in Porto. This became the headquarters of the Congregação Cristã in Portugal. By 2006, there were about 200 congregations in Portugal. They had 30000 members. Most congregations were in the Douro River valley. Here the Congregação Cristã became the largest evangelical denomination in the region.
The church adheres to 12 articles of faith. They believe in the Bible as the infallible Word of God. They believe in one God in three persons the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He took on human form to save humanity. They also believe in the existence of the devil and his angels.
Regeneration comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism in water is essential. It is done by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. They also believe in baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is evidenced by speaking in tongues. They celebrate the Holy Supper in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Abstinence from certain things is also important. This includes things sacrificed to idols and blood. It also includes strangled meat and fornication.
The Congregação Cristã believes in divine healing. They also believe in the resurrection of the dead. The just will go to eternal life. The unjust will go to eternal torment.
Remember the perseverance of early members. They faced persecution. They spread their faith across borders. The Congregação Cristã in Portugal stands as a testament to their dedication.