Religious and
political freedoms
gained in 1975 have
transformed the
nation, but the
ancient
heart-bondages
remain. The
veneration of Mary
is a "Christian"
veneer over the old
paganism, and an
estimated 90% of the
population consults spiritist mediums
and witches. To this
are added the new
bondages of
materialism,
self-centeredness,
and alcohol and drug
abuse. The Roman
Catholic Church is
strongly traditional
and has much
influence, but needs
renewal.
The 25 years of
religious freedom
have resulted in the
steady and increased
growth of
Evangelicals from
55,000 in 1975 to
over 307,000 in
2000, but is
hampered by serious
divisions, the need
for a united vision,
and a lack of
concern for world
evangelization.
Many
congregations lack
full-time workers
with adequate
theological depth
and spiritual
maturity. There are
nine seminaries,
including the
Assemblies of God,
Portuguese Bible
Institute (PBI, founded
by GEM),
Presbyterian,
Baptist, and Bethel
Bible Institutes
(founded by
Brazilian
missionaries). The PBI now offers
university-level and
post-graduate
degrees. The PBI,
Baptists, and ICI run
Theological
Education by
Extension programs and Núcleo, a widely
used Bible
correspondence course. Pray that
these may contribute
to meeting the
ministry needs of
the churches.
Pioneer
challenges remain.
The seven northern
and northeastern
provinces are
strongly Catholic,
and relatively few
evangelical churches
exist. The four
provinces in the
south are poor,
with few people ever
going to church.
Some 69
of the 316 counties
have no evangelical
congregation, and
800,000 people live
in these counties.
