Aware that 74% of Protestants disapprove of its management, according to an AtlasIntel poll released in August, the Lula government‘s efforts to get closer to evangelicals have extended to several sectors of its administration, such as the Ministry of Culture, currently led by singer Margareth Menezes.
During a press conference held in Salvador, where the G20 International Seminar on Culture and Climate Change took place, Menezes said that his ministry tried to accommodate all requests for support in cultural projects, including evangelical ones.
“Within the Ministry of Culture we welcome both politicians and people there, evangelical religions, they also go there looking for it, and everything we are launching is for everyone. […]. Indeed, in this new regulatory instruction, we contemplate precisely this. There are several festivals in this segment that receive incentives from the Rouanet Law,” he said.
According to the leader of the Ministry of Culture there is no opposition from the Lula government to the Protestant churches. He argued that this idea, in practice, would be the result of a political narrative, but not of a concrete reality.
“There is no reason to have this kind of distrust towards President Lula’s government in relation to [religião] evangelical”, he said during the press conference, citing as an example the recent recognition of Gospel Music Day, the result of a law sanctioned by the current President of the Republic.
“President Lula was the one who always acted in this direction. It was therefore a dangerous narrative, constructed as if the government and President Lula were against religion. All public policy is for all Brazilian people, there is no question of which religion a person should have access to,” said Margareth Menezes.
the Minister of Culture defended the need for dialogue with all segments of society, underlining that the gospel medium is also a powerhouse in artistic production.
“Within my management we maintain dialogue with all sectors. We received representations from everyone [seja] areas of the arts and also with the evangelical sector”, he concluded. With information: The afternoon.
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Margareth Menezes, Minister of Culture
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today, Margareth. As the Minister of Culture under President Lula, you have stepped into a critical role at a time when the relationship between the government and the Protestant community seems to be strained. Recent polling indicated that 74% of Protestants disapprove of the government’s management. How do you perceive this gap, and what steps are being taken to bridge it?
Menezes: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. It’s true that we face challenges in our relationship with the Protestant community, but I believe this disapproval often stems from misunderstandings. We want to demonstrate through our actions that the Lula government is inclusive and supportive of all religions, including evangelical communities. Our ministry is reaching out and accommodating requests from various cultural sectors, including those from evangelical organizations.
Editor: That’s an intriguing point. During a recent press conference, you mentioned that the ministry is open to supporting cultural projects from all groups, including evangelicals. Could you elaborate on how this inclusivity manifests in practice?
Menezes: Certainly! Under the Rouanet Law, we are actively incentivizing cultural festivals that reflect the diversity of our society, including those that are significant for evangelical communities. We are committed to ensuring that every cultural expression, regardless of its background, has a chance for visibility and support. Our recent initiatives have welcomed input from evangelical representatives, ensuring that their voices and cultural projects are part of the broader Brazilian landscape.
Editor: You mentioned that there is no opposition from the Lula government towards Protestant churches, yet many perceive it differently. How do you address this narrative that suggests a rift between the government and religious groups?
Menezes: I believe that narrative has emerged from political discourse rather than concrete realities. It’s essential to highlight that President Lula has always taken steps in support of all religions, as exemplified by the recent recognition of Gospel Music Day. Our policies aim to serve all Brazilian people without discrimination based on religion. We uphold that public policy should be inclusive and representative of our nation’s diversity.
Editor: Recognition of Gospel Music Day is indeed a significant step. Can you explain the thought process behind this recognition and how it plays into your broader strategy for engaging with evangelical communities?
Menezes: This recognition is a signal to the evangelical community that their cultural contributions are valued. It’s also a reaffirmation that music, as a universal language, has the power to unite people across different faiths. By recognizing Gospel Music, we’re not only honoring an important facet of Brazilian culture but also showing that the government acknowledges and respects the artistic and spiritual expressions of evangelical artists. This initiative, along with others, is part of a broader outreach strategy to foster dialogue and strengthen our bonds with diverse communities.
Editor: With significant changes on the political landscape and a history of polarization, how do you envision the future of cultural policies under your leadership? Are there specific initiatives in the pipeline aimed at further integrating evangelical voices?
Menezes: Absolutely, we are devising more initiatives that will promote cultural exchange and understanding. Our aim is to create platforms where evangelical artists can showcase their talent, telling stories that resonate with their communities while also appealing to broader audiences. Additionally, we are focusing on workshops and collaborative projects that invite evangelical leaders and artists to participate in discussions about culture and society. It’s vital that we cultivate an environment of trust where all voices are heard and respected.
Editor: Thank you, Margareth, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that building bridges with evangelical communities is a priority for your ministry. We look forward to seeing how your initiatives unfold in the coming months.
Menezes: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we continue these conversations and work together for a more inclusive cultural landscape in Brazil.