Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios

Curiosity dances in the air outside the Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios. This unassuming building holds a story as expansive as its global presence. The Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios began in 1977 in Brazil. It was founded by Edir Macedo, a convert of Bishop Robert McAlister. Macedo’s early meetings took place in a small park in Rio de Janeiro. His focus was on helping those often overlooked by traditional religions. As his gatherings grew, he eventually established the first official church in a former funeral home. The Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios quickly spread throughout Brazil. Today, over 5,000 churches thrive there. The headquarters in Rio de Janeiro welcomes 12,000 people daily. In 1986, the church expanded to the United States, starting in New York City. It then branched out to numerous countries in the Americas. It reached Europe, establishing itself in nations from England to Russia. The church made its way to Africa in 1992, opening its first location in Angola. From there, it spread across the continent. It eventually reached Asia, with locations like the 24-hour church in Japan. The Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios has now reached over 180 countries and continues to grow. Here in Mexico City, the church’s presence is a testament to its global reach. It arrived in Mexico in 1992, founded by Bishop Romualdo Panceiro. The first church, “Primicia de Mexico,” was located in the San Cosme neighborhood. Initially, there were legal obstacles to preaching the Gospel and discrimination against the founders as foreigners. The church persevered and now has a cathedral that seats 3,000 people and almost 130 temples across the country. The church uses various media for outreach, including newspapers, radio, television, and the internet. Its “Social Action” group provides aid to those in need and disaster-stricken areas. The church in Mexico is led by Bishop Paulo Roberto Guimar aes and Bishop Franklin Sanches. It shares the same mission as its global counterparts: to spread the word of God and offer support to those in need. From its humble beginnings in a Brazilian park to its worldwide presence, the Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios offers a message of hope and transformation.