Did the Universal Do Reino de Deus always command such a vast following? Let’s explore the captivating story of this influential church, right here in Rio de Janeiro. The Universal Do Reino de Deus traces its roots back to a humble beginning in 1977. It was founded here in Rio de Janeiro by Edir Macedo and Romildo Ribeiro Soares. Both men had journeys through Catholicism and other Protestant churches before establishing the Universal Do Reino de Deus in the Abolição area.
From its inception, the Universal Do Reino de Deus focused on expansion, not just within Brazil, but internationally. Edir Macedo’s vision extended beyond national borders. He sought to establish a global presence. This ambition led to the church’s growth across Latin America, North America, and Africa. By 2010, the Universal Do Reino de Deus had become a significant force in the Brazilian evangelical landscape. It boasts a following of 1.87 million, according to IBGE data.
Macedo’s understanding of the power of media played a crucial role in the rise of the Universal Do Reino de Deus. He began by renting airtime on radio and TV stations. He broadcasted on Radio Metropolitana RJ, the now-defunct Tupi TV, and Band. This early adoption of media paved the way for the church’s acquisition of its own stations. In 1984, the Universal Do Reino de Deus purchased Copacabana AM Radio in Rio de Janeiro. Just five years later, they acquired the prominent Record TV in São Paulo. This marked a significant turning point. It solidified the church’s media presence.
The Universal Do Reino de Deus’s rise coincided with a shift in the Brazilian Evangelical Church. Churches, traditionally hesitant to engage with secular media and politics, began to embrace these platforms. This shift was evident in the 1986 elections, with 18 evangelical candidates winning public offices. The church’s influence extended to the National Congress, playing a key role in granting radio and TV concessions to religious organizations. The Universal Do Reino de Deus’s political participation continued to grow throughout the 1990s and 2000s. This culminated in the 2016 election of Marcelo Crivella, Macedo’s nephew, as mayor of Rio de Janeiro.
The Universal Do Reino de Deus’s story is also marked by the construction of grand temples. The inauguration of the Templo de Salomão in São Paulo in 2014 stands as a testament to the church’s ambition. This massive temple, with a seating capacity of 10,000, hosted prominent political figures at its opening. From its humble origins in Rio de Janeiro, the Universal Do Reino de Deus has grown into a global religious institution. Its story is a complex tapestry of religious fervor, media savvy, and political influence. As you stand before the Universal Do Reino de Deus today, consider the journey that brought it to this point. It is a journey that continues to shape the religious and political landscape of Brazil.