The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (Universal Church/UCKG), or Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD) as it is known in its country of origin Brazil, is a Neo-Pentecostal church considered to be part of the “third wave” of Brazilian Pentecostalism. This wave is often characterised by miraculous healing, “Prosperity Gospel” and “spiritual battles”—all of which are prominent in the global theology and spiritual practices of this megachurch.

Formally established in 1977, the UCKG traces its beginnings to a humble bandstand in a poor neighborhood of Rio de J…