Amid the rise of racial violence in Brazil, Global Black Theology Manifesto is launched with more than 80 Black Christian leaders
More than 80 Black Christian leaders from seven countries the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Angola have launched in São Paulo the Global Black Theology Manifesto, a document that analyzes and denounces the colonial and racist structures present in society while reaffirming faith in a Christ who stands with the oppressed.
The text was collectively written during the 4th International Black Theology Consultation, held as part of the “Enegrecer Conference: Blackness for the Church of Tomorrow” from June 18 to 21, 2025. It is now available for reading and download at mnebrasil.org/manifestoteologico.
Launched during Black Awareness Month in Brazil (November), the Manifesto reaffirms that Black faith is also resistance and a commitment to racial justice. The document calls on faith communities to break their silence and take a stand against the inequalities and violence that continue to affect African and Afro-descendant peoples, such as the recent massacre in Rio de Janeiro, yet another stark reminder of the deep wounds of structural racism in the country.
The Manifesto features renowned names such as African American theologian Lisa Sharon Harper, South African reverend René August, Baptist pastor Ronilson Pacheco, and Elijah Zehyoue, Executive Director of the Alliance of Baptists. It is being published in three languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish) with the goal of strengthening a global network of theological reflection and action in defense of life, justice, and human dignity.
Rooted in the African and Afro-diasporic experience marked by colonialism, enslavement, and social exclusion, the document affirms Black Theology as a foundation of both prophetic denunciation and hope. Among its central themes are the commitment to reparative justice, the affirmation of Blackness as a gift and a form of resistance, and the call for churches to become spaces of inclusion and care, especially for Black women and LGBTQI+ people.
“Amid the rise of far-right movements with agendas that threaten African and Afro-descendant peoples, the Brazilian Black Christianity Movement plays a central role in the global dialogue between the evangelical church and a long tradition of Black liberation struggles. This Manifesto denounces the major violations we face and offers paths toward the challenges ahead,” said Jackson Augusto, national coordinator of the movement.
The 4th Consultation was part of the Enegrecer Conference, considered the largest gathering of Black evangelicals ever held. Hosted at the Igreja Batista de Água Branca, the event brought together around 500 people from 12 Brazilian states and more than 60 churches. The program included panel discussions, plenary sessions, devotionals, and musical performances, with participants such as Henrique Vieira, Iza Vicente, and Brian Kibuuka.
The Global Black Theology Manifesto represents a milestone in international collaboration and reaffirms the role of Black theologies in building a faith committed to human rights and the restoration of the dignity of peoples, establishing a historical link with the reformative tradition that transformed the church more than five centuries ago.
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Contact:
Jackson Augusto
Black Christianity Movement (Movimento Negro Evangélico)
+558198668941
jackson@mnebrasil.org
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