“I am the God who opens doors. If I close, no one can pry them open. I am the God who sends fire, and the altar will smoke.” Those words from Salomao Vieira, a well-known singer tied to Miracle, reflect the volatile mix of faith and politics that has shaped recent Brazilian affairs. Vieira’s standing as a church leader and council member among evangelical communities did not exempt him from facing fraud charges, and another lawsuit looms on the horizon. Support for a far-right surge into Brasilia has helped fuel a tense political climate around religious influence in the country.
The attempted coup brought into sharper focus the links between the Pentecostal sector and Bolsonarism. Reports from CartaCapital describe religious rhetoric mingled with extremist sentiment. The Fuxico Gospel portal observed that people occupying the three powers’ headquarters sang praises, quoted scripture, and even invoked biblical parallels, likening the scene to the fall of Jericho.
In Paraná’s interior, Pastor Sandro Rocha of the Church of Porto de Cristo in Guaratuba prophesied that the Army and police would align with civilians to bar communism from taking root. His social media posts urged protective measures, suggesting that masks, vinegar, and swimming goggles would become symbols of divine shielding. Another pastor, Thiago Bezerra, streamed the events live, while Pastor Erlindo da Cruz appeared in Brazil discussing the situation. A different recording shows a speaker noting thick smoke and burning eyes as crowds climbed past the Congresso’s passways.
counter-reactions
Folha de S.Paulo reported that the alliance between Bolsonarismo and a sizeable bloc of churches fractured the Brazilian congregation—more than a third reportedly disassociated from the movement. Some evangelical bishops quickly distanced themselves from the organizers of the failed coup. Estevam Hernandes, associated with a reborn church community, condemned the undemocratic methods used to protest; Caesar Augustus, who had previously supported Bolsonaro, shifted his stance to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. The January 8 events forced him to reckon with changing loyalties. Lawmakers and pastors, including Marco Feliciano, continued to advocate for a measured approach that valued dialogue as a bridge across ideological lines.
Cavalcante Bras, a leading evangelical voice in Congress, had warned that Lula’s presidency could ignite unrest. Yet in a surprising turn, Bras publicly stated opposition to violence and prayed for order, even as images circulated of public buildings damaged during the protests. The rhetoric clashed with a growing sense that stability required restraint from all sides.
Regrets and uncertainties
Great Malta, a long-standing bishop close to public life and a former army captain turned senator, used social networks to comment on the Brasilia turmoil. Sunday night’s events prompted a political pivot as Malta declared that vandalism did not reflect Brazilian values and urged unity. He acknowledged the nation’s division and stated a hope that harmony and constitutional respect would prevail in the aftermath.
Silas Mandre, head of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ, expressed concern about the double standard in media coverage of Bolsonarist demonstrations versus leftist movements. Mandre criticized the perceived tolerance of the MST’s public protests and questioned whether the press and politicians treated the PT with undue leniency. He asked, what country are we in, and whether the memory of past movements is selective.
difficulties
Lula’s electoral victory rested on the support of a Pentecostal allies and a broader religious base, despite widespread rumors that temples would be shut if the PT returned to power. In reality, Lula pledged full freedom of belief. His government included evangelical figures among its ministers—Marina Silva, Daniela do Waguinho, and Jorge Messias—but these appointments did not fully ease the concerns of more conservative bishops who aligned with Bolsonaro’s view. The coup attempt has forced the administration to rethink some ties with influential church groups that have so far refrained from public censure.