Igreja Universal

The Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD) is a Latin American Pentecostal Christian movement (founded in 1977 by Edir Macedo) that by 2010 had more than 6 million adherents in most parts of the world. It is similar to some neo-Pentecostal churches [Page 543]in the sense that it is more interested in alleviating current human problems (e.g., poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illness) than in effecting the salvation of sinners, spiritual conversion, and moral purification. Demons and evil spirits, not the people themselves, are considered responsible for sins and crime. They are believed to possess human beings, who then become evildoers or get sick. They have to be exorcized by pastors because only they have the spiritual power for this task. This operation, however, comes with a price. The war against demons (their version of Liberation Theology) is all-important. The other aspect of neo-Pentecostalism is the “theology of prosperity,” stating that everyone has the right to enjoy life here and now rather than waiting for rewards after death. Happiness can only be achieved, however, by generous contributions to the church. The beliefs in magic and witchcraft, common in Latin America, are taken for granted.

Most adherents of the IURD are members of an urban lower middle class, who participate in emotive ceremonies, which help them to overcome stress and fear. They are active actors in these rituals: By order of the pastor, they raise their arms, move their body, sing, and shout; these movements have therapeutic effects on the faithful. After a session, a generous contribution is expected, which helps the IURD to finance radio and TV programs in order to attract more believers. Those who are cured tell their histories on radio and TV—how miracles happened that changed their way of life.

The church is directed by its founder from his headquarters in Brazil. Many young pastors all over the world are Brazilians who received a short intensive training at home, although in recent years, many native assistants in other countries also became “leaders.” The larger churches, often lavishly decorated former movie theaters, are open seven times a week, offering three daily services. In each meeting, a large number of pastors and their assistants, elegantly dressed and well-groomed, take part and pray over the faithful, touching their heads or embracing them. Each day a new topic is treated: problems in the family, lack of work, a fight in the family, and so on. On Tuesdays, the sick are cured, and on Fridays, evil spirits are exorcised. Those who are supposedly possessed by demons are manipulated by the pastors when they suddenly act wildly or when they enter in an altered state of consciousness. Supposedly, the spirits speak from the mouth of the possessed, entering into conversation with the pastors. They explain why they are present and where they come from. These shows are watched with great excitement by the audience. Finally, the “war” is over; the discussions end: “The spirits are burnt” (quema-quema).

Money is collected several times during each session. All kinds of activities are invented to raise money. For example, a bowl with water from the Jordan River is placed on the altar. Those who are willing to pay $50 can now wash their hands in the bowl. Afterward, others paying $20 have the same privilege, and at the end, those who pay $10 are also admitted, but of course, the spiritual power of the water has decreased. Blessed medals are given away, protecting the believers against evils, like amulets. At other times, pieces of cloth are distributed and should be placed on one's body to cure a pain. The following week, the cloth has to be returned in an envelope, which also contains money.

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