How Brazil's evangelicals are spinning COVID-19

[Judi Lynn]

Like President Jair Bolsonaro, preachers in Brazil are competing to define the coronavirus. But empty church pews around the country suggest the faithful aren't buying their stories.

Date 06.04.2020
Author Thomas Milz

The coronavirus is divine punishment, according to Valdemiro Santiago, head of the Universal Church of God's Power. And in a recent video, pastor Edir Macedo called the COVID-19 pandemic Satan's work, claiming incorrectly that the virus was powerless against those who were not afraid of it. Macedo is the founder of the powerful Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), a worldwide network of evangelical churches. The multi-millionaire also owns one of Brazil's most influential television channels.

But the loudest voice in the crowd over the past couple of weeks has been that of Silas Malafaia, who is considered by many to be President Jair Bolsonaro's spiritual teacher. Like the president, the leader of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ is extremely critical of the current economic shutdown.

"Will the coronavirus kill people? Yes, but even more people will die if there is social disorder. Churches are essential for those desperate, fearful and depressed people who have been turned away from hospitals," says Malafaia.

Preaching to empty pews

Despite bans on public gatherings, many of Brazil's churches have remained open during the crisis. Still, most are empty, forcing evangelical preachers to broadcast online church services from their deserted houses of worship.

More:
https://www.dw.com/en/how-brazils-evangelicals-are-spinning-covid-19/a-53024007