Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, pastor, and media mogul. He founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (known as Universal Church) in 1977.
Biography
Edir Macedo Bezerra was born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family with his parents, Henry Bezerra and Eugenia de Macedo Bezerra, known as Mrs. Geninha. He was the fourth child among seven surviving siblings from 33 pregnancies his mother had.
At 16 years old, Macedo started working at a lottery office in Rio de Janeiro and gradually rose to become the head of treasury. However, he decided to leave everything behind to preach the gospel.
Macedo converted to Pentecostalism in 1965. In 1975, he co-founded a Pentecostal church called Cruzada do Caminho Eterno with Romildo Ribeiro Soares, but they parted ways due to a misunderstanding, leading Macedo to establish his own church.
In 1977, Macedo, along with others, founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
His controversial views, particularly regarding Catholicism, have stirred debate. In 1992, he faced accusations of charlatanism and spent eleven days in jail.
Age
Edir Macedo was born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Family
After his encounter with God, Edir Macedo made a crucial decision in his life: choosing the right wife. He met Esther Eunice Rangel, a beautiful young woman who, according to Edir, stood out from the others and came from an evangelical family.
They were married within eight months of meeting each other, tying the knot on December 18, 1971, at the New Life Church in Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro.
The couple has three children: two daughters named Cristiane and Viviane, and an adopted son named Moises.
Edir Macedo Daughters
Edir has two daughters, Cristiane and Viviane. Viviane’s birth was unusual as she was born very thin, with dark circles under her eyes, a deformed face, and a cleft lip and palate. Despite this, both girls had a normal childhood.
In 1991, Cristiane got married at the age of 17 to Renato Cardoso, who was 19. The wedding was officiated by Edir, the bishop, in the Indianapolis neighborhood of São Paulo.
In 1992, Viviane also got married before the age of 20. She married Julio Freitas, a young assistant pastor, after dating for one year and one month. The wedding took place in the former Universal Church of Santo Amaro.
Edir Macedo Son
Moses became part of the Macedo family when he was only 14 days old. A woman gave him to Esther, asking her and her husband to care for the baby. Bishop Macedo and his wife confirmed that the woman had good intentions before officially adopting the child.
Edir Macedo Church (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God)
Macedo’s journey into evangelical ministry began in the late 1960s when he joined the Pentecostal church and got involved in its activities. In 1977, he founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a neo-Pentecostal denomination that quickly grew in Brazil and internationally. The church became known for its focus on prosperity theology, spiritual deliverance, and controversial practices.
The first church was established in a former funeral parlor in the Abolição district of Rio de Janeiro, with its first service held on July 9, 1977. Despite having space for 225 people in the pews, some meetings were attended by more than 400.
The Universal Church expanded internationally, establishing branches in numerous countries across Africa, North America, Europe, and other parts of Latin America.
Aside from religious activities, Edir Macedo is a prominent media figure. He owns Rede Record, one of Brazil’s major television networks, along with other media outlets. The network has grown significantly, providing Macedo with a platform to reach a wider audience and contributing to the growth of the Universal Church.
Universal Church USA
The Universal Church in the United States began when Bishop Macedo traveled to New York, just nine years after opening the first temple in Brazil.
According to Bishop Edir, “I knew that it was the center of the world. It was the right path, the doorway to preach the Gospel internationally. New York was only a port of entry, the beginning of a long journey.”
Universal Church Argentina
In October 1989, the Universal Church began its work in Argentina with the baptism of 20 people in a small church. However, the church faced heavy criticism in the media. To improve its image, Bishop Macedo organized a faith rally held at the Monumental de Núñez stadium in River Plate, the largest stadium in Argentina.
Throughout his career, Macedo has encountered legal challenges and controversies. In 1992, he was arrested on charges of charlatanism, fraud, and embezzlement, but he was released due to insufficient evidence. Despite facing legal battles and criticism, he continued to expand his religious and media empire.
Books
Edir Macedo has written many books, mainly about religious and motivational topics. His influence goes beyond Brazil, with the Universal Church reaching many countries worldwide. Although his followers admire him for his religious guidance, he’s a controversial figure, criticized for the financial side of his ministry and his political involvement.
Net Worth
From March 2013 to 2015, Macedo was listed as a billionaire by Forbes, with a reported wealth of US$1.1 billion, and $1.24 billion for him and his family, making him the wealthiest pastor in Brazil and globally. However, he wasn’t listed in 2016 or later years.
The UCKG constructed a replica of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem in São Paulo, costing US$300 million. They even had an $8 million contract to import stones from Jerusalem, similar to those used in the original temple, which is over 3,000 years old.
Social Media
You can find Edir Macedo on the following social media platforms:
- Facebook: Bishop Edir Macedo
- Instagram: @bisopmacedo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Edir Macedo?
Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, pastor, and media mogul, best known as the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) and for his significant influence in Brazil’s religious and media landscape.
2. When was Edir Macedo born?
Edir Macedo was born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
3. What is Edir Macedo’s net worth?
Edir Macedo was listed as a billionaire by Forbes from March 2013 to 2015, with a reported wealth of US$1.1 billion, and $1.24 billion for him and his family. However, his net worth fluctuates and he hasn’t been listed on Forbes’ billionaire list in recent years.
4. What is the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG)?
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) is a neo-Pentecostal denomination founded by Edir Macedo in 1977. It has a significant presence in Brazil and internationally, with branches in numerous countries around the world.
5. What controversial projects is Edir Macedo associated with?
One of the controversial projects associated with Edir Macedo and the UCKG is the construction of a US$300 million replica of Solomon’s Temple in São Paulo, Brazil. The church also imported stones from Jerusalem, similar to those used in the original temple, which sparked debate and criticism.