O braço social da igreja em um contexto de crise do Estado de bem-estar social: Estudo de caso do Projeto “Mercado Solidário” da Igreja Abba Pai Church

Abstract

This thesis discusses the role of the evangelical church's “social arm” in the context of the Welfare State (WS) crisis in Brazil, addressing the complex dynamics of social inequality and state insufficiency in guaranteeing fundamental rights. The study starts from the premise that the persistence of existing social problems primarily reflects the hegemony of neoliberal policies, which oppose the logic of security and equity of the WS. In this scenario, the research explores how civil society mobilizes to fill the gaps left by state retraction. From this, the central point of this work is to address the role of the Evangelical Church as a social agent of remarkable relevance. It is argued that the church, as a millennial institution, transcends its merely spiritual function to consolidate itself as an active force in promoting human and fundamental rights, especially in communities where state presence is absent. The central thesis of the work argues that the church's mission is fully realized when it becomes a catalyst for rights and dignity, actively contributing to the transformation of society, not only in spiritual terms but also as a source of material provision and social justice. To illustrate this action, the work presents a detailed case study of the “Mercado Solidário” Project of the Abba Pai Church in Criciúma/Santa Catarina. This study analyzes the project's importance for the local community and its practical contribution to the realization of rights. The methodology was based on bibliographic and documentary research. It is concluded that the actions of evangelical churches are fundamental for guaranteeing rights and promoting human dignity in a scenario of WS crisis, assuming a crucial role in the fight against social injustices