The drug-trafficking Rio gangsters who see themselves as God's 'soldiers of crime'

In the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, a troubling blend of crime and religion has emerged, particularly among certain gangs that operate within the favelas, or informal settlements. These gangs, such as the Pure Third Command, have gained notoriety not only for their violent activities but also for their unique interpretation of faith. When police seize large quantities of drugs, they often find them marked with religious symbols, including the Star of David. Interestingly, this symbol does not represent the Jewish faith but is linked to a belief held by some Pentecostal Christians. They believe that the return of Jews to Israel will herald the Second Coming of Christ. The Pure Third Command has established itself as one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Rio, known for both its ruthless tactics against rivals and its fervent evangelical Christian beliefs. They have taken control of a group of five favelas in the northern part of the city, which they refer to as the Israel Complex. This takeover was reportedly inspired by a revelation one of their leaders claimed to have received from God, according to theologian Vivian Costa, who has written extensively on the intersection of faith and crime in Brazil. The gang members view themselves as 'soldiers of crime', with Jesus as the ultimate authority over the territory they dominate. This controversial label of 'Narco-Pentecostals' has been used to describe them, highlighting the unusual fusion of drug trafficking and religious fervor. One individual who has experienced both the world of crime and the transformative power of faith is Pastor Diego Nascimento. Once a member of the infamous Red Command gang, Pastor Nascimento's life took a dramatic turn after he encountered a gangster who preached the gospel to him while holding a gun. This 42-year-old Wesleyan Methodist minister, with his youthful appearance and warm smile, has a past that includes four years in prison for drug-related offenses. Despite his time behind bars, he initially struggled to leave the life of crime behind. However, after becoming addicted to crack cocaine, he hit rock bottom, losing his family and living on the streets. It was during this desperate time that a well-known drug dealer in his community reached out to him, offering a message of hope through Jesus. Pastor Nascimento accepted this guidance and began his journey toward redemption. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others in prison find their way out of crime, just as he did. Despite his own transformation, he firmly believes that true evangelical faith cannot coexist with a life of crime. He states, 'I don't see them as evangelical believers. I see them as people who are going down the wrong path and have a fear of God because they know that God is the one who guards their lives. ' The rise of Evangelical Christianity in Brazil is noteworthy, with predictions suggesting it may surpass Catholicism as the dominant religion in the country by the end of the decade. This growth has resonated particularly with individuals living in the gang-affected favelas, where some gangs have begun to incorporate elements of their faith into their operations. However, this has led to serious concerns about religious intolerance, especially towards Afro-Brazilian faiths. Christina Vital, a sociology professor at Rio's Fluminense Federal University, highlights that many communities in Rio have been living 'under siege' due to the presence of criminal gangs, which has severely impacted their freedom to practice their religion. In the Israel Complex, individuals with different religious beliefs are often unable to express their faith openly, leading to a climate of fear and repression. This situation is not isolated, as many places of worship for Afro-Brazilian religions have been forcibly closed, with gang members leaving messages on walls declaring, 'Jesus is the Lord of this place. ' The discrimination faced by followers of Afro-Brazilian faiths is longstanding, but the threats posed by drug gangs have intensified in recent years. Dr. Rita Salim, who leads the police department focused on racial and intolerance crimes, emphasizes that the threats from narco-gangs are particularly severe because they come from organized criminal groups that instill fear throughout the territories they control. An arrest warrant has been issued for a gang leader believed to have orchestrated attacks on an Afro-Brazilian temple in another favela, illustrating the serious nature of this issue. The intertwining of religion and crime in Rio's favelas has been a growing concern, with reports of religious extremism increasing significantly in recent years. Marcio de Jagun, who coordinates religious diversity initiatives at Rio's City Hall, notes that this problem has expanded beyond Rio, affecting other Brazilian cities as well. He describes the situation as a 'neo-Crusade', where criminals are targeting African religions while claiming to act in the name of God. The historical relationship between crime and religion in Brazil is complex, with gangsters traditionally seeking protection from Afro-Brazilian deities and Catholic saints. Vivian Costa argues that labeling this phenomenon as 'Narco-Pentecostalism' oversimplifies the deep-rooted connections between crime and faith. She prefers the term 'Narco-Religiosity' to capture the intricate dynamics at play. Regardless of the terminology used, the implications for religious freedom in Brazil are profound. The ongoing violence and intimidation from drug traffickers pose a significant threat to the constitutional right to practice one's faith, further exacerbating the challenges faced by communities living under the oppressive rule of these gangs.