Religion in Rio

Resident population by religion (Census 2000)
Religion                        Number               (%)
Catholics                     3,556,096          60.71
Evangelicals                1,034,009          17.65
Without religion             781,080          13.33
Spiritists                          201,714           3.44
Umbanda                           72,946           1.25
Jehovah’s Witnesses          36,273           0.62
Candomblecistas                29,831          0.51
Jews                                   23,862           0.41
Buddhist                             12,741          0.22

There are several obvious religious doctrines in the city. As Catholicism expanded on a matrix of social dominance – because of immigration, the colonization process, and the absence of a secular state, – most of the Rio today is stated as such. However, there is a substantial presence of dozens of Protestant denominations (about 18% of the population), and Spiritists, which present a considerable penetration, with more than 200 thousand fans.  The African-Brazilian religions (Umbanda and Candomble) are supported in various social segments, although professed by less than 2% of the population.

According to the latest census of the IBGE, the percentage of those who have no religious affiliation is significant when compared to the national average of 7.3%. The Umbanda, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews and Buddhist groups are minorities, but on the rise.

The Archdiocese of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Metropolitan Cathedral of the Ecclesiastical Province, belongs to the Episcopal Council I East Regional of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) (installed in Rio until 1977). Founded in 1676, it covers an area of 1721 km ² and is organized into 252 parishes.

The Cathedral of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro or Catedral Metropolitana, was opened in 1979 in the central city. Its premises include the Museum of Sacred Art, a large collection of historical and religious artefacts.  With a contemporary style, Catedral Metropolitana has a conical shape and, with an internal diameter of 96 meters, the capacity to receive up to twenty thousand faithful.

The splendor of the construction is its straight lines and windows (ever changing due to the light) carved in the walls of the dome.  Monsignor Ivo Antônio Calliari (1918-2005) co-ordinated its design and implemented the construction.  San Sebastian is recognized as the patron saint of the city, why this was the canonical name of “Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro.”

Protestant and evangelical churches
Several Protestant faiths coexist in the city.  This is exemplified by the Evangelical Baptist Churches, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, the Seventh-day Adventist and Lutheran, and the rise of Pentecostal: the Universal Kingdom of God, Assembly of God, Congregational Christian in Brazil, Gospel quadrangular, House of Blessing, God is Love, and New Life Christian Maranata.  In recent decades, Comino is a further advancement of these churches, mainly in outlying areas and downtown