President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree on Tuesday that recognizes gospel music as a cultural manifestation in a gesture of rapprochement with the evangelical segment. The ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the House, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), evangelical parliamentarians, such as senator Eliziane Gama (PSB), deputy Otoni de Paula (MDB-RJ) and deputy Benedita da Silva (PT-RJ), and gospel singers.
Speaking, Lula said that “the act is simple”, but that it has “symbolic force” and constitutes an “important sign of welcome and respect” for the Brazilian evangelical people:
— The signing of this decree represents another important step in welcoming and respecting the evangelical community and people of Brazil. It is a simple act but with very deep symbolic force. With this decree, the Brazilian State confirms that faith is also expressed through culture, as the identity and living history of our people — said Lula.
The president also thanked the proposed decree, made by Senator Eliziane Gama, during a conversation in his office and acknowledged that if “it was up to him”, the decree might not come out:
— This decree was born from a conversation I had with (senator) Élisiane (Range), she appeared in my office, a paper in her hand and said to me: “president, transform gospel music into national heritage”. And I called my partner Margareth and said, “Let’s do this.” And their request is satisfied because it is about doing justice to the evangelical people and to gospel music. It’s just a recognition – he said – If it were up to me, this decree would probably not come out. If there wasn’t someone who said: ‘President, if you’re bad at this, let’s make this decree.’
Lula welcomed the initiative of First Lady Janja da Silva, who met with groups of evangelical women in different regions of the country. Janja’s movement is part of a government move aimed at reaching out to the segment.
— I was happy because she (Janja) decided to meet evangelical women, it’s very important. A government does not need to have a side, a government does not need to have a religion, it does not need to have a party. You can belong to a party to get elected, but when it comes to governing, it’s everyone’s business.
The announcement of the decree was made by Lula during the last ministerial meeting of the year 2025, on December 17, and was directly addressed by the Attorney General of the Union, Jorge Messias, appointed for a vacant position in the Federal Supreme Court (STF) and evangelical.
— Let us transform gospel music, Messiah, into a legacy. Next week you can be ready because, in addition to being a minister of the Supreme Court, you will be able to sing gospel music at the Palácio do Planalto — said Lula.
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