Transformation and Reconciliation in Lusophony Migrant Churches in Germany

This chapter explores reconciliation narratives within the online communication of  the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), a Lusophone Pentecostal church active in Germany since the 1990s. The UCKG is part of the global network of the Brazilian Neopentecostal megachurch, Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus. The church has gained international notoriety primarily through public scandals that include allegations of money laundering, extortion, and child abduction. The church’s founder and his multi-billion dollar media company provide continuous attention to the church. However, what is often overlooked are the narratives of the church members themselves, their experiences, and interpretations of transformation, which are of particular interest concerning reconciliation studies and will therefore be focused on in this chapter. These transformational processes are particularly visible in conversion narratives in which forgiveness is explicitly addressed. These narratives are disseminated by the UCKG on the Internet and are available, for example, on YouTube, Instagram, and other websites. Testimonials in Pentecostal churches however are interpreted and understood differently. They can either be understood as a total break from the past (Meyer 1997) or as the healing of discontinuities in somebody’s life course (Robbins in Annu Rev Anthropol 33:117–143, 2004). Examining the UCKG's testimonials in Germany, this chapter highlights the recurring theme of reconciliation. For instance, young women often share stories of overcoming depression, addictions, and sexual abuse experienced within their families or other social contexts. Through the UCKG, they find meaning, spiritual guidance, and a sense of self-unity.