The founder of The Universal Church speaks exclusively to the Universal Ark Portal
As of the 9th of July, The Universal Church has been in existence for 33 years. In this exclusive interview, Bishop Edir Macedo speaks about his expectations when it all began three decades ago, how he sees the church today and about his future plans.
Seeing how much The Universal Church has grown throughout these past 33 years, how do you feel when you look back and realize that it all started in a kiosk?
It’s a feeling that the Spirit of God is real and fulfills His promises.
When you first had the idea to establish The Universal Church, did your initial concept coincide with what it has become today? What did you imagine?
No. If the Spirit of God had revealed to me the church we see today, then certainly I would have laughed just as Sara when she heard that she would become a mother while old and barren.
Throughout these 33 years have there been projects that the Church wasn’t able to accomplish? Why?
I believe so. Many have come along but didn’t progress. Only some were chosen, just as Gideon's 300.
How is it to manage a work that is in almost every country around the world?
Were (are) the difficulties and persecutions that the church endures outside the country the same as those faced here in Brazil?
Each and every persecution suffered has a spiritual character. The evil spirits that work in Brazil are the same ones that work everywhere else.
When the Work began outside of Brazil, did you make some preparations for this?
The Spirit of God is the One who prepares His chosen ones to serve His Son anywhere in the world.
A 33 year-old person can generally be considered mature. How do you think the church has matured throughout these years? What have been the church's most significant changes?
Maturity depends on the dry spells – the deserts that we go through. The more deserts we endure, the greater our level of maturity. The Universal Church has grown spiritually through its many struggles. The changes have been many, especially in how it has been teaching the way to have supernatural and intelligent faith.
In Brazil there is still much prejudice and resistance towards the work of The Universal Church and towards your name. Even so, recently, a reporter who was interviewing a South African was surprised when asked if he was from the same country as you. How is it, having to deal with prejudice from some, while at the same time receiving recognition from others?
Prejudice is natural. Jesus, His apostles and followers faced it. We can't expect to receive flowers from a world dominated by a Babylonian spirit. That's part of the Christian faith. Only those born of the Holy Spirit survive and prevail. It's not easy to face prejudice from those we want to help. But when the Light of the Gospel is revealed to them, that's when we are rewarded with their gratitude.
The Church has many social projects ranging from its work with kids and youth, to adult literacy, and even to the concern with Brazil's northeastern jungle region. Millions of people have been and continue to benefit from these outreaches. Does The Universal Church have any other social projects in mind?
The work of the church has always been socially aimed, one hundred percent. This is due to the living message of the Gospel. Jesus didn't bring a new religion. He brought life. When a human being is possessed by the Holy Spirit, his attitudes towards God, his neighbor and to himself change completely. That's why many people who were once excluded, now have their lives restored and reintegrated into society. When the blind is able to see, he stops depending on others, and becomes productive and lead his own life. When a thief is delivered, he becomes one less threat to society. Unfortunately, society and the government aren't able to see the social benefits of the Church. What good is it, for example, to give someone a plate of food? Will it stop the hunger? The church, through the power of faith in the Bible, has delivered those enslaved to any addiction. It promotes social reintegration much more than any other social institution. And what's best, it does this without receiving any kind of help from the government.
Many people say that the construction of cathedrals is unnecessary. Why does the Universal Church invest in grand buildings?
Not only to return to the people the benefits of their tithes and offerings, but above all, to give them a vision of the will of God for their lives. Jesus came to bring life and life in abundance. The cathedrals prove that.
Your blog has millions of hits. Many more people feel free to comment and ask for spiritual advice. How do you see this interaction with the public?
Official statistics have registered almost 3 million monthly hits. This proves that it’s a great benefit for internet users and also that our work hasn't been in vain.
We see that the church values discipline among its members, assistants, pastors, and bishops. How does this discipline interfere in the growth of the Church?
The Kingdom of God is formed through order and discipline. Anyone who doesn't submit doesn't have an interest in living according to God. We aren't a club in search of members. We are preachers of the Good News. Whoever believes and obeys is blessed. Whoever doesn't believe, we show patience. But we will never push aside order and discipline in the church. Even if that means financial loss.
With the growth of the church the need for volunteers to do the Work has also increased. What concern do you have in choosing these people?
That they be born of water and of the Holy Spirit.
What are The Universal Church's next goals?
We await God’s inspiration and guidance.
What's your message for the millions of faithful members of The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God around the world?
The same as my Lord's: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelations 2:10
