Brazil's PT courts evangelicals with open letter, criticizes 'manipulation of faith'

Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) is making a strategic outreach to evangelical Christians, a key voting bloc that has largely supported conservative President Jair Bolsonaro in recent elections. The party launched an open letter at its National Council of Evangelical Workers event in Brasília, signaling an effort to win over neopentecostal voters for President Lula's 2026 re-election campaign.

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We reject any attempt to transform religion into an instrument of political manipulation, and we denounce those who use the Gospel as a business.

The document, titled "Mishpat: Faith, Justice, Democracy and the 2026 Elections," touches on various progressive themes, including combating violence against women, the PT's government actions, and the defense of democracy. Notably, it sidesteps contentious issues like gender identity, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion decriminalization, which often create friction between left-leaning parties and conservative religious groups.

The letter explicitly rejects "any attempt to transform religion into an instrument of political manipulation" and denounces those who "use the Gospel as a business." It also expresses concern over fake news and hate speech, advocating for religion to unite Brazilians rather than divide them. The PT acknowledges that evangelicals are not a monolithic political group but asserts its intention to engage with their concerns.

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Religion should not be used to divide the Brazilian people, but to promote hope, solidarity, and commitment to the common good.

Party president Edinho Silva praised Lula, stating he was the president who most respected and recognized the evangelical community. First Lady Janja da Silva also directly criticized pastor Silas Malafaia, a prominent Bolsonaro supporter, for calling her conversations with women "insignificant." She retorted that he was insignificant, as every woman is important to her.

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The president who most effectively respected the evangelical community was President Lula. No president has done as much to recognize the evangelical community as the president.

The PT's move highlights the ongoing challenge of appealing to evangelical voters, who have consistently shown a strong preference for Bolsonaro. The party's strategy appears to be a direct attempt to chip away at that support by emphasizing shared values and Lula's perceived respect for the community, while carefully navigating sensitive social issues.

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I also do not call him [Malafaia] a pastor. He had the audacity to go on social media and say that I was talking to insignificant women. He is insignificant, because every woman is important to me.