Silas Malafaia

Silas Lima Malafaia (born 14 September 1958) is a Brazilian Pentecostal pastor, author and televangelist, who also has a degree in psychology. He is the leader of the Pentecostal church Assembleia de Deus Vitória em Cristo (Assembly of God Victory in Christ), a branch of the broader Assembleias de Deus movement of Pentecostal churches in Brazil. He is also the CEO of the Central Gospel Music publishing company, and vice president of the Interdenominational Council of Evangelical Ministers of Brazil (CIMEB), which is made up of approximately 8.500 ministers and leaders from almost all Brazilian evangelical denominations. Malafaia was born in Rio de Janeiro. He is well known for his political work and strong opposition to the promotion of homosexuality in society and abortion, as well as for defending the Prosperity theology. According to a 2013 Forbes magazine publication, Malafaia's total net worth is estimated at US$150 million. However, he denied the information in the talkshow De Frente com Gabi, in which he affirmed that his wealth revolved around R$6 million (approximately US$1.6 million). Viewed as a staunch conservative, Malafaia is a polarizing and controversial figure in Brazil. He is often accused of fomenting hate speech, being known for his strong opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion. His critics accuse him of being a bigot and a homophobe, which he denies.