A global Pentecostal Christian denomination known for its prosperity theology and expansive media presence.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Neo-Pentecostal
Founder: Edir Macedo
Founded: 1977
Location: Brazil (originally), now has branches worldwide
Size: Approximately 8 million members
Other Names: UCKG, Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus
Website: universal.org
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), established in 1977 in Brazil, represents a significant force in the landscape of global Neo-Pentecostalism. Founded by Bishop Edir Macedo alongside two other pastors, the church has expanded its reach to encompass a membership of 8 million across over 150 countries. The UCKG’s growth has been underpinned by its aggressive proselytism tactics and the broad suite of media and business enterprises it controls, which include Brazil’s second-largest television network, radio stations, newspapers, a publishing house, and a record company.
The church’s origins trace back to a precursor initiative called the Crusade of the Eternal Way, which was started by Macedo and a group of pastors in rented cinemas. By 1977, the UCKG had its first official temple in a former funeral home in Rio de Janeiro, marking the beginning of an expansive journey that would see it grow into thousands of temples across Brazil and worldwide. Bishop Macedo’s vision for the church was inclusive, targeting the needy and less privileged often sidelined by mainstream religions. This approach, coupled with the utilization of diverse venues like cinemas and local halls for services, significantly contributed to the UCKG’s rapid growth.
The UCKG’s expansion into the United States began in 1986, with churches now in cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. The church also made significant inroads in Europe, establishing a presence in England, Portugal, Spain, among other countries, and expanded into Africa, Asia, and other regions of the Americas. Notably, the first UCKG church in Africa opened in Angola in 1992.
Controversy has not eluded the UCKG. Its aggressive proselytism, particularly during its expansion in Portugal in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and its vehement criticism of the Catholic Church, have drawn accusations of charlatanism and questioned its legitimacy as a religious organization. The UCKG has also been embroiled in financial scandals, notably in Brazil, where investigations have scrutinized the church’s handling of billions in tithes and donations. However, the church has consistently been cleared of wrongdoing in these instances.
A pivotal element of the UCKG’s doctrine is prosperity theology, which posits that faith and commitment to God are rewarded not only with spiritual salvation but also with material wealth. This theology has been a cornerstone of the church’s appeal, promising tangible rewards for spiritual devotion. Bishop Marcelo Crivella, Macedo’s nephew and a prominent figure within the church, has been instrumental in targeting the middle class to broaden the church’s demographic appeal.
The UCKG also plays a significant role in humanitarian and charitable endeavors. It has been involved in encouraging blood donations, resulting in a significant increase in donations in regions where the church has a presence. Moreover, the American branch of the UCKG established a church within a jail in Houston, Texas, demonstrating its commitment to extending its religious services to those in incarceration.
Politically, the UCKG has been forthright, with Macedo expressing intentions to create a theocratic state through electoral participation. Crivella’s election to the Brazilian Federal Senate and later as mayor of Rio de Janeiro underscore the UCKG’s political ambitions and influence. The church founded the Brazilian Republican Party, which has served as a platform to field candidates aligned with its interests.
The UCKG remains a polarizing figure in the religious and socio-political spheres, with its ambitious expansion, doctrinal teachings, and involvement in media and politics making it a subject of both admiration and criticism. Its global footprint and the controversies it navigates reflect the complex interplay between religion, media, and politics in contemporary society.
image via New Republic
