The eleventh Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men to same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." We are grateful and proud to be members of this church, which supports free agency in worship. Below are three pictures of four LDS Church chapels that have become very dear to us: Guaraituba Ward chapel, Boa Vista Stake Center, Campo Largo Ward chapel. We haven't yet been to the Iguacu Stake Center, Curitiba.
Our chapels are our local places of worship. Our temples are the pinnacles of our worship, where we can feel the quiet, peaceful Spirit of God, make sacred covenants to our Father in Heaven, and perform saving ordinances for ourselves and our ancestors. A temple is the House of God. We have been privileged to attend 2 of the 7 temples in Brazil: Porto Alegre Temple, Curitiba Temple.
OTHER CHURCHES IN BOCAIÚVA, CURITIBA, PINHAIS, CAMPO LARGO:
Yes, the Catholic Church is very strong in Brazil, but in Bocaiúva do Sul, the Evangelical churches seem to be even stronger. In that little city, there are about 30+ churches. They sprout up in every neighborhood, may or may not have identifying signs, may or may not be separate buildings, often aren't even noticed by passers-by, and usually are planted in a garage or rented "space." But the sounds of their ministers and congregations are unmistakable: very loud music from speakers, singing, chanting, and praising God. The first three rows of photos are of churches in and around Bocaiúva. The first three photos are of Bocaiúva's Catholic Church, which we were never able to enter because there is a locked fence around it at all times, except when there are services (there must have been a lot of vandalism at one time). The last two rows of photos below are of churches in Pinhais, Curitiba and Campo Largo. . Many wonderful people are loyal to these churches.