Em Nome de Deus

What Is the Series About?

Em Nome de Deus (In the Name of God) is a Globoplay original documentary series released on June 23, 2020. The six-episode series examines one of the most shocking criminal cases in Brazilian history: the arrest and conviction of João Teixeira de Faria, universally known as João de Deus (John of God), a self-proclaimed spiritual medium who was found guilty of rape and sexual abuse against hundreds of women over a period spanning nearly four decades. Created and presented by prominent Brazilian journalist and TV personality Pedro Bial, the series does not merely recount a single crime — it dissects the social, religious, and institutional machinery that allowed a predator to operate in plain sight for so long.

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The Case

Born in 1947 in Minas Gerais, Brazil, João Teixeira de Faria built a religious empire on the foundations of the Brazilian espírito (spiritism) tradition. Presenting himself as a divine conduit capable of performing miraculous healings, he attracted a devoted following that eventually drew international attention — among his visitors were celebrities, politicians, and spiritual seekers from around the world. His religious center in Brasília became a pilgrimage destination for thousands, a fact that gave him enormous influence, social protection, and access to vulnerable people.

Behind the facade of faith healing, João de Deus systematically abused women who came to him seeking spiritual guidance or physical cures. According to the investigation, the abuse began as early as 1978 and continued until 2018 — a 40-year span during which victims described a deeply manipulative pattern of coercion rooted in religious authority. Over 300 women eventually came forward to report abuse. The crimes were categorized as sexual abuse and rape, and were primarily committed at his religious center in Brasília.

The case broke open in late 2017 and early 2018, when Brazilian journalist and victim Camila Appel, along with other accusers, went public with their testimonies. The ensuing wave of disclosures was unprecedented in scale. Brazilian federal police launched a formal investigation, gathering evidence that included victim testimonies, medical records, and digital communications. João de Deus was arrested in January 2018.

The trial before the Federal Court in Brasília resulted in a conviction on charges of rape and sexual abuse. João de Deus was sentenced to 13 years and 11 months in prison. He remains incarcerated as of 2026. Investigators and journalists who covered the case noted that his ability to evade accountability for so long was enabled by a deliberate protection network — a web of fanatical followers, complicit institutions, and the social capital that came with being Brazil's most famous spiritual healer.

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Production

The series was created by Pedro Bial, one of Brazil's most recognized television figures, known for his long tenure on TV Globo and his ability to handle sensitive journalistic subjects with rigor. Bial's involvement lent the project both institutional credibility and a broad audience reach within Brazil.

The six episodes, each running between 48 and 58 minutes, are structured to walk viewers through the full arc of the case: the rise of João de Deus as a public figure, the hidden pattern of abuse, the courage of the women who came forward, the investigation, the trial, and the broader cultural conditions that made the crimes possible. Victim identities are protected throughout the series — none of the accusers appear on camera with their faces visible, a deliberate editorial choice designed to prioritize their safety and dignity.

The documentary draws on a range of source materials, including journalistic investigations, legal documents, and first-person accounts. The series trailer and clips available on YouTube illustrate the tonal balance the production achieves — serious, methodical, and deeply empathetic toward the victims without descending into exploitation.

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Reception

Em Nome de Deus has been widely praised as one of the finest true crime documentary productions to emerge from Brazil. On IMDb, the series holds a rating of 8.3/10 based on over 200 votes, with users describing it as one of the best true crime documentaries available in Portuguese. The consensus among viewers is that the series is both a compelling piece of investigative journalism and an important cultural document.

Critics and viewers alike have highlighted the series' willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about how religious authority can be weaponized against vulnerable people. Trigger warnings accompany the series on the platform, reflecting the graphic nature of survivor testimonies.

The production has not been without controversy. Some critics have argued that the complete anonymization of victims, while ethically justified, limits the emotional immediacy of individual stories. More significantly, religious groups — particularly those affiliated with Brazilian spiritism — have pushed back against what they perceive as a damaging and overly broad portrayal of their faith tradition. Supporters of the series counter that the documentary is careful to distinguish between the legitimate practice of spiritism and the criminal exploitation carried out by João de Deus. Discussion of the series among Portuguese-language true crime communities, including on platforms such as Reddit, reflects sustained interest and strong recommendations years after its release.

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The Case Today

João Teixeira de Faria remains imprisoned as of 2026, serving his sentence for rape and sexual abuse. The case has had a lasting impact on Brazilian public discourse around religious abuse, institutional complicity, and the protection of victims who speak out against powerful figures. It contributed to broader national conversations about how faith communities can — and must — create mechanisms to protect their most vulnerable members from exploitation by those in positions of spiritual authority.

The courage of the over 300 women who came forward remains the central moral fact of this case. Em Nome de Deus ensures that their testimonies are not buried beneath the mythology that João de Deus spent decades carefully constructing around himself.