Interview with Bishop Edir Macedo

The founder of The Universal Church speaks exclusively to the Universal Ark Portal (UAP)

This past 9th of July, The Universal Church completed 33 years of existence. In this exclusive interview, Bishop Edir Macedo speaks about what his expectations were 3 decades ago, when everything started, how he sees the Church today and also about future plans.

UAP: In 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?

Bishop: A feeling that the Spirit of God is real and fulfills His promises.

UAP: When the idea of founding The Universal Church came about, did the initial "project" have anything to do with what it represents today? What did you imagine?

Bishop: No. If the Spirit of God would have revealed to me what we see today, then certainly I would have laughed just
as Sara when she heard that she would become a mother, despite of her advanced age and sterility.

UAP: Throughout these 33 years have there been any projects that the Church hasn't carried out? Why?

Bishop: I believe so. Many came to it but didn't remain. Only some were chosen, just as Gideon's 300.

UAP: How is it to manage a work that is present in almost every country around the world?

Bishop: The physical administration depends on the spiritual side. The Holy Spirit has chosen people and has managed
this work through them.

UAP: Were (are) the difficulties and persecutions faced outside of Brazil the same as those faced in it?

Bishop: Each and any persecution suffered has a spiritual character. The evil spirits that work in Brazil are the same ones that work everywhere else.

UAP: When the Work began outside of Brazil, did you prepare yourself in any way?

Bishop: The Spirit of God is the One who prepares His chosen ones to serve His Son anywhere in the world.

A person of 33 years of age can be considered a mature person. How do you think the church has matured throughout these years? Which have been the church's most significant changes?

Bishop: Maturity depends on the deserts encountered. The greater the number of deserts, the greater the level of maturity. The Universal Church has grown spiritually on account of the struggles it's encountered. The changes have been many, especially in what it says in regards to the use of supernatural and intelligent faith.

UAP: 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?

Bishop: Prejudice is natural. Jesus, His apostles and followers faced the same in their time. We can't expect to receive flowers from the inhabitants of a world dominated by the 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 who we want to help. But, when the Light of the Gospel is revealed to them, that's when we are rewarded with their gratitude.

UAP: 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. Millions of people have been and continue to benefit from these. Does The Universal Church have any other social projects in mind?

Bishop: The work of the church has been one hundred percent social. 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 in relation to God, to 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 starts to produce and lead his own life. When the bandit 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 the faith in the Bible, has delivered those enslaved to all and any addictions. 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.

                                                                            UAP: Many people say that the construction of cathedrals is unnecessary. Why does the  
                                                                            Universal Church invest in grand temples?

                                                                            Bishop: 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.

                                                                            UAP: 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?

                                                                            Bishop: Official statistics have registered almost 3 million monthly hits. This proves that there is a great benefit for internet users
                                                                            and also that our work hasn't been in vain.

UAP: We see that the church values discipline amongst its members, assistants, pastors, and bishops. How does this discipline interfere in the growth of the Church?

Bishop: 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 for members. We are preachers of the Gospel's Good News. Who believes and obeys is blessed. Who doesn't believe, patience. But we will never push aside order and discipline in the church. Even if that means financial loss.

UAP: With the growth of the church the need for volunteers to do the Work has also increased. What concern do you have for choosing these people?

Bishop: That they be born of the water and of the Holy Spirit.

UAP: What are The Universal Church's next goals?

Bishop: We await for Divine 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?

Bishop: The same as my Lord: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelations 2:10