Evangelical leaders distance themselves from Flávio Bolsonaro

Prominent evangelical leaders in Brazil are distancing themselves from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro following his electoral defeat and the publication of a letter in which he contested the election results. This shift involves representatives from the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and sectors of the Assemblies of God, who are seeking to avoid direct association with Bolsonarista initiatives.

Edir Macedo, founder of the Universal Church, publicly criticized the Bolsonarista slogan “God, Fatherland, and Family,” stating that the hierarchy should prioritize God and family before the state. This marks a departure from the previous election cycle, as the Universal Church has not declared official support for any candidates for the 2026 presidency.

Additionally, Pastor Silas Malafaia of the Vitória em Cristo Assembly of God has reportedly criticized the actions of Jair Bolsonaro’s sons in private messages, specifically targeting the letter published by Flávio Bolsonaro. The movement comes amid poor electoral performance for several politicians supported by religious leaders, including the loss of half of the federal deputies linked to the Universal Church.