The Federal Republic of Brazil adopted a new constitution in 1988. Lawrence Tribe, a Harvard Professor considered an expert in civil rights and constitutional law helped to formulate the constitution. The document declares "the freedom of conscience and belief is inviolable, the freedom to hold religious services is assured, and protection of the sites of religious services and their liturgies is guaranteed pursuant to law." The Constitution also forbids the government from establishing churches, impeding the functions of churches, subsidizing churches, or maintaining an alliance with their representatives. In other words, the constitution maintains separation of church and state and defines the parameters of that policy. Federal aid is available to religious schools for education purposes, and optional courses in religion in public schools are offered. The right of conscientious objection for religious purposes is provided for. Chaplains for civilian and military prisons are assured by law. All churches, regardless of denomination are tax exempt.
The government requires that missionary groups seek permission from the National Indian Foundation before conducting their activities in official indigenous areas.
In the early 1980’s, particularly in 1981, the Unification Church underwent a period of persecution. Fear and hatred of the church was inflamed by the media, communist groups and the Catholic Church. During this time several church centers were burned. While the general climate has calmed down, public suspicion and misconceptions stirred up during that time remain. Since the "Persecution of 1981," the communist movement has almost disappeared and the media is much more informed and less hostile. Missionaries and religious workers, even those who have come to assume long term or permanent positions, have been unable to obtain long-term visas.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Brazil
Brazil's Roman Catholic Church is fighting for its turf WorldWide Religious News 4/12/04
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