In a vibrant display of unity, hundreds of people from diverse religious backgrounds marched through the streets of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, to demand greater tolerance and respect for their beliefs. This powerful gesture was a response to the alarming surge in religious intolerance that has gripped Brazil, leaving countless practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions vulnerable to attacks and discrimination.
The Brazilian constitution proudly upholds the principle of religious freedom, yet the harsh reality is that cases of disrespect, violence, and persecution have become increasingly commonplace.
The proliferation of evangelical Christianity, particularly neo-Pentecostal churches, has been linked to this disturbing trend, with many adherents of traditional African-influenced religions facing verbal abuse, forced expulsions, and even the destruction of their sacred temples.
Vania, a devoted practitioner of Candomblé, poignantly expressed the sentiments of many when she said, “We’re fighting to preserve our heritage, our culture, and our faith. If we don’t stand firm, we risk losing the very essence of who we are.” Her words resonated deeply with the crowd, who gathered to promote unity and defend their right to worship without fear of persecution.
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The statistics are sobering, a staggering 140.3% increase in complaints of religious intolerance between 2018 and 2023, with the state of Rio de Janeiro alone recording 6,700 crimes of religious intolerance from 2015 through 2019.
It is clear that the legal framework, although extensive, is not enough to stem the tide of religious racism.
Organizations like Race and Equality are working tirelessly to combat this scourge through public policies and laws, but the journey ahead is long and arduous.
As Brazil grapples with this fragile issue, one thing is certain, the voices of the marginalized will not be silenced, and their cry for tolerance will continue to echo through the streets.
