Leader of Universal Church of the Kingdom of God Appears in Madrid, Spain

Edir Macedo, the leader of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), made his first public appearance in Spain on February 19, 2023, in Madrid. The event, held at the Palacio de Vistalegre, drew a crowd of followers, many of whom traveled from different parts of Spain, including Murcia and Sevilla. The IURD, which claims seven million followers in Brazil, has a presence in Spain through its Christian Aid Center, established in 1993 as the Christian Community of Ritu Santo. This organization now serves over five thousand people, predominantly of Latin American origin, and operates 39 places of worship across Spain, with 11 located in the Madrid region.

During his speech, Macedo addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of respecting election results. He prayed, “O God, I want Bolsonaro to win, but let your will be done, above all, because the Lord commands,” following the victory of Lula da Silva in Brazil. This statement reflects the IURD’s alignment with the Brazilian ultraright, a movement closely associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. Macedo, a prominent figure in Bolsonaro’s 2018 electoral campaign, is also a businessman, banker, and media mogul, with a reported net worth of $1.1 billion in 2015.

Macedo’s influence extends beyond religious leadership. He is known for his luxurious lifestyle, including the purchase of an apartment in the Porsche Design tower in Miami, a property also recently acquired by football star Lionel Messi. The IURD’s Spanish branch, the Christian Aid Center, is based near Madrid’s Atocha station in an old cinema, serving as its national headquarters.

The event in Madrid marked a significant moment for the IURD’s international outreach, highlighting its growing presence in Spain and its role in supporting Latin American communities. The church’s activities in Spain include a network of places of worship and community services, reflecting its commitment to serving its congregations.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)