Religious leaders and activists held a rally outside Rio City Hall for state secularism, religious equity, and diversity in public spaces, gathering about 300 people.
On Wednesday (14), the event took place in Cidade Nova. It started around 11 a.m. Participants linked hands in a symbolic chain before the building.
Secularism as Constitutional Principle
The gesture stood for unity and resistance. Discussions focused on the secular state, a principle embracing all beliefs without favoritism. It underscored rights to religious diversity.
Priests, political leaders, and groups like Cultural Group Òrúnmìlà, Afro Band Tafaraogi, Umbanda Rio, and Instituto Carta Magna da Umbanda joined. Attendees included Marcelo Fritz, Frei Tata, Pastora Lusmarina Garcia, and Jacques d’Adesky.
The Reisado Filhos da Flor – Filhos de Reis from Duque de Caxias performed. This cultural mix highlighted popular traditions in Brazilian identity.
Speeches for Religious Equity
The people united will never be defeated.
Padre Gegê kicked off speeches with the historic chant, sung by all. Lawyer Carlos Nicodemos, from CNDH and the Religious Intolerance Commission, stressed the legal duty of secularism.
What’s at stake is not opinion, but Constitution compliance. Brazil’s state is secular, and secularism is a legal duty, not a political concession.
Babalawô Ivanir dos Santos urged no faith be silenced. David Albagli Gorodicht from Association Sholem Aleichem voiced Jewish community support.
We’re here supporting this event from the Jewish community spectrum, which fights for a secular state.
Pastor Julio Costa called for equal treatment. Carlos Alberto Pracias of Asé Ilê Omim Odara tied secularism to democracy: equal rights for all or none.
The rally addressed a gospel stage at Leme Beach New Year’s event. The slogan “That’s Us” affirmed belonging and rejected religious exclusion.
Photo: Luan Cezário
