Did you know that Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal started in a small music kiosk? It’s true. This wasn’t some grand cathedral. This wasn’t even a rented hall. It began humbly in a small kiosk a music stand really in a Rio de Janeiro suburb. Pastor Edir Macedo Bezerra would preach there every Saturday. He’d climb the seven steps and share his faith with a handful of people. That’s how Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal began its incredible journey.
Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal is part of the Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus IURD. This international charismatic Christian association has grown enormously. It started small but it had big plans. The IURD’s aim was always to spread the gospel worldwide. That required using media. So they used television radio books newspapers magazines and even films. This church really embraced modern technology to get their message out. They understood the power of mass communication.
From those humble beginnings Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal has expanded significantly. It now has congregations in New York City and many other locations. The IURD has a complex structure with a hierarchy of leadership. This includes the founding Bishop Edir Macedo bishops who oversee countries and states pastors leading local churches and volunteers. They are called “workers” and they are vital to the church’s success.
The IURD is not without controversy. The text mentions accusations of illegal adoptions in Portugal. There have also been accusations of financial misconduct and intolerance towards other religions. The IURD’s relationship with the media has also been turbulent. There have been very public conflicts with major news organizations. They have been accused of everything from money laundering to charlatanism. The IURD also opposed higher education for women. The founder believed that it could lead to women being “smarter than their husbands”.
Despite these controversies the IURD and Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal continue to grow. Their expansion is remarkable. They have churches in numerous countries across continents. They’ve established themselves in different parts of the world. From Brazil to Africa to the United States the IURD continues to exert its influence. This church in New York City is only one part of that vast global network. The story of Jesuchristo es el Señor Universal is a story of remarkable growth impressive expansion and considerable controversy. It’s a story of faith but it is not without its shadows.