The new inclusive evangelical leadership and essential charity

By Artur Vieira*

There is a rise in inclusive evangelical churches in Brazil, still unknown to a large part of our LGBT+ community. People who are interested in or are part of the evangelical movement or religion know this theology that includes the rights of people in our community to be part of it without having to suffer prejudice due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

And one of the names that has been the face of this new leadership of gay evangelical pastors is Leandro Rodrigues, 42 years old, from São Paulo, married, who for four years has led not just one, but two churches with this aspect of including LGBT+. One in Barra Funda, in the capital of São Paulo, and another in the center of Sorocaba (SP), Habitar. And this representation and prominence that Leandro has achieved echoes even within the traditional evangelical church, as he is invited to be present among several names already known by evangelicals throughout Brazil, such as: Ed Rene Kivitz, Henrique Vieira, Eleni Rangel, among others.

And what has elevated the name of the pastor and his church has been the different social action work he has carried out since 2020, uninterruptedly, every Wednesday, not just to bring food to homeless people in the capital paulista, but also the various campaigns to give more dignity to these people. Be it actions such as the beautiful makeup distribution campaign for trans and transvestites living on the streets or the recurring distribution of clothes, shoes, blankets, basic food baskets and also personal hygiene kits. All of this through the Social Action Phase Project (Phase is an acronym for Hunger, Love, Thirst and Hope).

Faza is linked to Igreja Habitar and serves people in situations of social vulnerability with the participation of LGBT+ volunteers and also through inter-religious partnerships; among them, with Father Júlio Lancellotti, from Pastoral do Povo de Rua de São Paulo, who weekly sends hundreds of loaves of bread produced by his own parish to be donated in partnership with Igreja Habitar.

“I have never received any help or donations for my social action project from any evangelical pastor: whether traditional or inclusive. But I already received it from a leader of the African-based religion and a priest! ” Comments Leandro Rodrigues.

Even without any support from other leaders of his own religion, Leandro Rodrigues and his faith community have done a remarkable job of welcoming and inclusion that goes beyond the temples of his church. For the pastor, it is impossible to want to talk about the sacred scriptures or ‘preach the gospel’ without first satisfying people’s hunger. He guarantees that the intention is to extend a helping hand, regardless of whether that person will become a member of his church or not.

Spokesperson
He has been this spokesperson, not only to teach other leaders how to do complete inclusion work, also covering the social aspect, but also to dialogue with other leaders, as he has been one of the few and rare names in the inclusive environment to be invited to debate, lecture and teach about inclusive/affirmative theology among traditionalists. He recently participated in Cebep’s theological update week and several other invitations have been made.

Instead of focusing its members’ attention on investing in a more sumptuous temple or state-of-the-art sound and light equipment, the Habitar Church increasingly sets out to help people, provide support and support not only spiritually, but also humanitarianly. And it was easy to see this throughout my interview with Pastor Leandro, where his concern at all times was revealing a Christ who is far beyond a pulpit.

Instagram Church: @ighabitarsp

Instagram Social Project: @faseacaosocial

*Artur Vieira is a Christian, gay and journalist who has worked with the LGBT+ public since 2013 on the internet with the profile @devoltaaoreino
By Ezatamentchy