Edir Macedo Biography : Edir Macedo is a renowned Brazilian evangelical bishop, pastor, and media mogul. He is the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus, or simply Universal Church) in 1977.
Bishop Edie Macedo was born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and he 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.
One remarkable thing about Edir Macedo’s mother was that she 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. Accordingly, as the time of writing this article, (January 2024) Edir Macedo is 78 years and also set to clock 79 years old a month’s time (February 2024).
Edir Macedo Family
Following his encounter with God, Edir Macedo faced a crucial decision in choosing the right life partner. He found Esther Eunice Rangel, a beautiful young woman from an evangelical family, who stood out to him as different from others.
Within eight months of their first meeting, Edir and Esther were married on December 18, 1971, at the New Life Church in Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro. The couple has three children—two daughters, Cristiane and Viviane, and an adopted son, Moises.
Edir’s daughters, Cristiane and Viviane, had a typical childhood. However, Viviane’s birth was marked by peculiar challenges, including a cleft lip and palate. Despite these circumstances, both girls grew up in a loving home.
In 1991, Edir Macedo’s daughter, Cristiane married Renato Cardoso at the age of 17, with Edir officiating the wedding in the Indianapolis neighborhood of São Paulo.
In 1992, Viviane followed suit 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
Moises was adopted into the Macedo household when he was just 14 days old. A woman entrusted Esther with the baby, expressing her genuine intention for them to care for him. Before officially adopting Moses, Bishop Macedo and his wife ensured the woman’s sincerity.
Edir Macedo Church (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) / Edir Macedo’s Evangelical Journey.
Edir Macedo’s journey into evangelical ministry began in the late 1960s when he joined a Pentecostal church. In 1977, he founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, known for its rapid growth and emphasis on prosperity theology and spiritual deliverance. The first church, established in Rio de Janeiro’s Abolição district, quickly filled its space, leading to international expansion.
Beyond religious activities, Edir Macedo is a notable media figure, owning Brazil’s major television network, Rede Record. This media presence extends his reach and contributes to the Universal Church’s growth on a broader scale
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
As a renowned author, 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
Edir Macedo was featured on the Forbes billionaires list From March 2013 to 2015, with a reported US$1.1 billion, and $1.24 billion 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