Meet Rio pastor who claims to rid 'evil' homosexuality

RIO DE JANEIRO – The man sweating behind the stove at the Love of God church is called Carlos Alberto, just like a legendary Brazilian soccer player, but has enjoyed neither fame nor fortune like his namesake.

Alberto, 40, he spent years addicted to drugs and exposed to danger on the streets before being taken in by this ministry as its chef. Yet according to his mentor, Pastor Celio Ricardo, Alberto has had one defining achievement of which he can be immensely proud.

He has rid himself of homosexuality.

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“He was a homosexual for 25 years,” Ricardo says through an interpreter, patting lberto’s shoulder. “He quit using drugs, he goes to church everyday and he stopped being gay.”

Ricardo claims some of the credit. The Love of God church, which provides support and food donations to drug addicts in some of Rio’s most impoverished areas, does not accept homosexuality. It doesn’t have to, he says, because once his disciples embrace religion they are cured of their “evil” behavior.

“The Bible says God has made male and female,” the pastor explains. “He didn’t do male and male or female and female. We can never change nature’s course. We believe in what we want to believe until we know the truth of Jesus Christ. When it happens the story changes.”

While Brazil is largely viewed by foreigners as an open, progressive society, similar sentiments are common in religious circles here, as the evangelical church shows little tolerance for the LGBT community. While LGBT groups hope the upcoming Olympics can promote enhanced global understanding, a staunchly traditional view prevails in the host city. The concept that homosexuality can be cured through religious devotion is common.

Alberto looks nervous and speaks quietly. The pastor, a former crack addict who has helped dozens of former users turn around their lives, commands great respect here. Alberto chooses his words carefully.

“I was always attracted to men,” he says. “I desired men. I had many boyfriends. But being gay is a sad life, people discriminate against you. Traditional families, they don’t accept homosexuality. The church does not accept it either. I analyzed both sides and thought it was better to change.”