Universal Church mobilizes faithful in spiritual campaign ending on election day

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God has initiated a 52-day spiritual campaign, the Nehemiah Challenge, strategically concluding on October 4, the date of Brazil's first-round elections. While not directly referencing the upcoming vote, the campaign's timing and themes carry significant undertones.

Led by Bishop Alessandro Paschoall, who heads the church's Arimateia project focused on political awareness, the campaign's stated purpose is the spiritual "restoration and construction of Christian values, faith, and the protection of families." The name "Nehemiah" refers to the biblical figure who led the reconstruction of Jerusalem's wall in 52 days, a feat the church aims to emulate spiritually.

Paschoall, speaking from Jerusalem in a video shared by church channels, urged followers to "care" and recalled the pandemic. He highlighted the "violated right" of religious temples being closed when people needed them most, suggesting such an event should not be repeated. This sentiment aligns with a past opposition to COVID-19 containment measures.

Followers participate by registering on an app and completing daily tasks, each representing a "stone" in a "spiritual wall." Themes include "guardians of the family" and "governments against the people." The 45th day is dedicated to combating "fake news," a recurring theme for the Universal Church, which often presents itself as a target of media persecution.

The Universal Church has a well-established practice of leveraging its religious apparatus to support allied candidates in elections, aiming to bolster its influence in both executive and legislative branches. Its preferred candidates often emerge from within the church itself, with the Republicanos party serving as a key political vehicle.

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vale a pena a gente aqui lembrar o que vivemos na pandemia