Christian Reformed Church of Brazil

(Igreja Cristã Reformada do Brasil)

This church began in 1932 as the result of mission work of the Reformed Church in Hungary among Hungarian immigrants in Brazil. It was originally known as the Latin American Reformed Church. Congregations were gradually organized in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and in the vast hinterland of Brazil. Communities were also established in Argentina and Uruguay. The church used the Magyar language. Continuing its special care for immigrants, it has enlarged its sphere to become a national church, with services in Portuguese. During the second world war it became an autonomous, self-supporting body, which in 1945, received its official name of Christian Reformed Church of Brazil.

The church accepts the second Helvetic confession, the Heidelberg catechism and – as a special and historic confession – the profession of faith of the first “Igreja Reformada” organized in Brazil in 1557 by ministers sent by John Calvin. It follows the Presbyterian system. The church’s ministers are usually educated in Brazilian theological faculties, though candidates for the ministry are also sent to take post-graduate courses abroad.