Orleans Brandão vows stronger ties with evangelical churches in Maranhão

Orleans Brandão, the MDB candidate for governor of Maranhão, met with pastors, missionaries and evangelical leaders in São Lis on 29 May. Alongside incumbent Governor Carlos Brandão and vice‑governor candidate Edivaldo Holanda Júnior, he received a document outlining the sector’s priorities, including support for religious events, expanded state‑church partnerships, drug‑prevention programmes, the creation of an Evangelical College of Maranhão and a state‑run centre for large evangelical gatherings. He emphasized the churches’ role in social recovery, family strengthening and assistance to vulnerable people, saying he wants to be “the governor of opportunities, jobs and income” and will keep a permanent dialogue with religious leaders. Governor Carlos Brandão highlighted the recently created State Secretariat of Social Representation as a mechanism to deepen collaboration with churches, therapeutic communities and the third sector, while Vice‑governor candidate Edivaldo Holanda Júnior reaffirmed the commitment to continue building on the partnership established during the current administration.