I. Introduction: A Nation of Faith and Conflict
Brazil is known for its religious diversity, with Catholicism, Evangelical Christianity, Afro-Brazilian religions, and indigenous spiritual traditions coexisting across the nation. However, rising intolerance and violence threaten this pluralism. In recent years, extremist groups, political rhetoric, and systemic neglect have created an environment where religious minorities are harassed, discriminated against, and even attacked. This growing hostility is forcing many to abandon their communities, with some seeking refuge abroad.

II. Historical Context of Religious Pluralism
Brazil’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and historically, the country has prided itself on multicultural coexistence. Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda have enriched the cultural landscape, despite centuries of marginalisation under colonial and Catholic dominance. Yet intolerance, particularly against minority faiths, has intensified in recent decades.

III. Rising Evangelical Influence
The rapid expansion of Evangelical churches has reshaped Brazil’s religious landscape. While many contribute positively to social life, some groups promote exclusionary ideologies that demonise Afro-Brazilian and indigenous practices. This rising influence fuels discrimination and deepens polarisation.

IV. Attacks on Afro-Brazilian Religious Communities
Afro-Brazilian religions are frequent targets of violence and persecution. Temples are vandalised, practitioners attacked, and rituals disrupted by extremist groups claiming moral superiority. These acts of aggression often go unpunished, perpetuating fear and silencing cultural expression.

V. Indigenous Spiritual Practices Under Threat
Indigenous religious traditions remain marginalised, often dismissed as superstition or obstacles to development. Resource exploitation projects threaten sacred sites, and communities defending their beliefs face harassment and displacement. These practices, central to cultural survival, are at risk of extinction without stronger protections.

VI. Religious Intolerance in Politics
Political leaders increasingly exploit religion for electoral gain, fostering intolerance against minorities. Campaigns frequently draw on conservative religious rhetoric that delegitimises Afro-Brazilian and LGBT communities, reinforcing exclusion in both law and society.

VII. Harassment in Schools and Public Spaces
Children from minority religions face bullying and discrimination in schools, where curricula often prioritise Christian values. In public spaces, practitioners of minority faiths are harassed or mocked, highlighting the normalisation of intolerance in everyday life.

VIII. Gendered Dimensions of Intolerance
Women practitioners of Afro-Brazilian and indigenous faiths face specific threats, including sexual harassment and domestic violence linked to religious prejudice. These gendered attacks reinforce patriarchal and exclusionary structures within society.

IX. State Neglect and Lack of Protection
Despite constitutional guarantees, the state often fails to protect religious minorities. Police rarely investigate attacks on temples or communities, and officials sometimes side with perpetrators, reinforcing impunity and mistrust.

X. Migration as an Escape from Intolerance
As intolerance rises, some Brazilians leave the country to escape persecution. Asylum seekers frequently cite threats to their religious freedom, violence against their communities, and lack of state protection as reasons for fleeing. Migration becomes an act of survival and a way to preserve cultural identity abroad.

XI. Diaspora Advocacy and Global Solidarity
Brazilian diaspora communities and international human rights organisations have amplified the voices of persecuted religious minorities. Through global advocacy, they pressure Brazil to uphold its commitments to religious freedom and cultural diversity.

XII. Conclusion: Protecting Pluralism in Crisis
Religious intolerance is on the rise in Brazil, threatening the country’s pluralistic identity and democratic fabric. Until the government enforces protections and addresses systemic prejudice, minority faiths will remain vulnerable, and migration will continue as a means of survival. Safeguarding religious freedom is essential not only for cultural preservation but also for the health of Brazil’s democracy.