Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, pastor, and media mogul who founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus, or simply Universal Church) in 1977.
Biography
Born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Edir Macedo Bezerra grew up in a Roman Catholic family. He was the fourth child of Henry Bezerra and Eugenia de Macedo Bezerra, better known as Mrs. Geninha. His mother had 33 pregnancies, but only seven children survived.
Young Macedo began working at the lottery office in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 16. He climbed step by step, up to head of treasury. However, he gave up everything to preach the gospel. .
Macedo converted to Pentecostalism in 1965. In 1975, Macedo founded a Pentecostal church with Romildo Ribeiro Soares, Cruzada do Caminho Eterno. However the two split after a misunderstanding and Edir left to found his own church.
In 1977, Macedo founded with others the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
His views about other faiths, particularly Catholicism, are controversial. In 1992 he spent eleven days in jail on accusations of charlatanism.
Edir Macedo Age
Macedo was born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Edir Macedo Family
After his encounter with God, the most important decision in Edir Macedo’s life would be to make the right choice of a wife. he met his wife, the beautiful young Esther Eunice Rangel. According to Edir, she was different from the rest and also came from an evangelical family.
The couple were married within eight months of the first meeting. They got married on December 18, 1971 at the New Life Church in Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro.
The couple have three children; two daughters, Cristiane and Viviane, and an adopted son, Moises.
Edir Macedo Daughters
Edir has two daughter, Cristinae and Viviane. However, the circumstances surrounding the birth of Viviane is very peculiar. When Viviane was born, she was extremely thin, had dark circles under her eyes and her face was deformed. She was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Nevertheless, the both girls had a normal childhood.
In 1991, Cristiane,got married to young Renato Cardoso at the age of 17 while her husband was 19. The marriage took place in the Indianapolis neighborhood of São Paulo, and Edir bishop officiated the wedding. and said to his daughter,
In 1992, Viviane followed sit and got married before the age of 20. She married a young assistant pastor, Julio Freitas after a one year and one month of dating. The marriage took place in the former Universal Church of Santo Amaro.
Edir Macedo Son
Moses was adopted into the Macedo household when he was just 14 days old. A lady had  handed him to Esther, asking her and her husband to take care of the baby. However, Bishop Macedo and his wife confirmed the woman had a good intentionbefore formally 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 became involved in its activities. In 1977, he founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a neo-Pentecostal denomination that grew rapidly both in Brazil and internationally. The church became known for its emphasis on prosperity theology, spiritual deliverance, and controversial practices.
The first Church was opened in a former funeral parlor in the Abolição district in Rio de Janeiro. The Church’s first service was on July 9, 1977. The old funeral parlor had space for 225 people in the pews. But some meetings would be packed with more than 400.
The Universal Church has expanded its reach internationally, establishing branches in numerous countries. It has a significant presence in Africa, North America, Europe, and other parts of Latin America.
In addition to his religious activities, Edir Macedo is a prominent media figure. He owns Rede Record, one of Brazil’s major television networks. He also owns other media outlets as well. The network has grown to become a significant player in the Brazilian media landscape, providing a platform for Macedo to reach a broader audience. Also, it has contributed to the growth of the Universal Church.
Universal Church USA
The Universal Church United States, started 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 work of the Universal Church arrived in Argentina. The first baptism was for 20 people in a small church. Howver, the Universal Church was massacred in every media form. In order to redee their image, the church organized a rally of faith held by Bishop Macedo. The rally took place in the largest stadium in Argentina, the Monumental de Núñez in the city of River Plate.
Macedo has faced legal challenges and controversies throughout his career. In 1992, he was arrested on charges of charlatanism, fraud, and embezzlement, but he was released due to a lack of evidence. Despite legal battles and criticisms from various quarters, he continued to expand his religious and media empire.
Books
Edir Macedo has authored several books, often focusing on religious and motivational themes. His influence extends beyond Brazil, as the Universal Church has established a presence in many countries around the world. While he is revered by his followers for his religious leadership, he remains a controversial figure, with critics pointing to the financial aspects of his ministry and his involvement in politics.
Edir Macedo Net Worth
From March 2013 to 2015, Macedo was on the Forbes billionaires list with a reported US$1.1 billion, and $1.24 b for Macedo and family, making him by far the richest pastor in Brazil and the world. He was not on the list for 2016 or later years.
The UCKG built a US$300 million replica in São Paulo of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem with an $8 million contract to import stones from Jerusalem like those used to build the 3,000-year-old original.
Social Media
Instagram: @bisopmacedo