Founded by David Martins de Miranda the Igreja Deus é Amor started with only three members. It has grown into an international Pentecostal denomination. It now spans 88 countries. Welcome to a cornerstone of faith here in Rio de Janeiro. This is the Igreja Deus é Amor.
Igreja Deus é Amor began in São Paulo on June 3 1962. David Martins de Miranda founded it. Economic challenges and urbanization encouraged its growth. Informal settlements became fertile ground for new followers. Promises of miracles resonated with the poorest. These miracles would free them from their situations.
By 1995 the Igreja Deus é Amor had spread to 30 countries. It had about 800000 members in 2001. As of 2003 there were 8140 churches. In 2004 the church opened the Temple of the Glory of God in São Paulo. It seats 60000 people.
The Igreja Deus é Amor has a Pentecostal confession of faith. Its doctrine aligns with Finished Work Pentecostalism. The church emphasizes faith healing and deliverance ministry. Laying on of hands and anointing of the sick are important. They also focus on baptism with the Holy Spirit. Signs and wonders and evangelism are key. The church operates several radio stations. They broadcast church programs and live healing services.
Compared to other Brazilian Pentecostal churches Deus é Amor maintains a fundamentalist ideology. It separates itself from society. Members adhere to strict guidelines. These limit personal freedoms. For example they are against watching television and playing soccer.
The Igreja Deus é Amor has faced controversies. These include accusations of money laundering in Uruguay. There were also alleged connections to organized crime in Brazil. Strict control mechanisms are in place. Members must obtain faith cards. These cards must be stamped daily. This proves their attendance at worship services. It also shows they are paying the church.
David Miranda was born on July 4 1936. He founded the Igreja Deus é Amor. He said that the Holy Spirit revealed the name and date to him. After David Miranda died on February 21 2015 his wife Ereni de Oliveira Miranda became president.
The church grew significantly in the 1970s 1980s and 1990s. Radio programs with preaching and recordings helped a lot. The Igreja Deus é Amor contributed to the doctrine of justification by faith. It also emphasized the sanctification of spirit soul and body. They preserved good customs. Divine healings revelations and deliverances occurred in their temples.
David Miranda described God’s call to found the Igreja Deus é Amor. He felt as if he was floating. He had prayed for over three hours. It was like Luke 22.44 when Jesus prayed in agony. He felt the Holy Spirit. Celestial beings were in his room. A voice said do not fear the struggles. God had chosen him.
The voice said that God would give the church its name. After 21 days of prayer God said “Deus é Amor”. Miranda searched for a church with that name. He could not find it. God told him to found the church himself.
The Igreja Deus é Amor has a code of conduct for baptized members. This comes with a membership card. It includes interpretations of scripture. For example members should not watch TV. This is because TV spreads lies and destroys families. Women should avoid cutting their hair. They should avoid clothes that show sensuality. Men should avoid long hair.
In December the Igreja Deus é Amor hosts events at its world headquarters in São Paulo. These events celebrate Christmas and the end of the year. They include a Christmas musical. There are also services on December 31st and January 1st.
On August 24 2016 São Paulo declared June 3rd as “Igreja Pentecostal Deus é Amor Day”. In January 2025 the church reopened its headquarters in Porto Alegre. It had been damaged by floods. Also in February 2025 the church opened a new headquarters in Fortaleza.
Now as you stand before the Igreja Deus é Amor take a moment. Consider its journey from humble beginnings. Reflect on its global impact. It continues to spread its message. It emphasizes faith healing and strict adherence to its doctrine.