Joaquim Goncalves
Joaquim Goncalves Silva was a major Brazilian promoter of William Branham's "Message" movement, claiming that he encountered Branham's teachings in 1968 through Spoken Word booklets before using radio, translation work, and organized evangelism to spread Branham's doctrine across Brazil. His influence helped create a powerful Portuguese-language network of Branham followers, but his legacy was later overshadowed by serious abuse allegations reported by Brazilian media in 2021, when multiple women accused him of sexual harassment and abuse, including incidents involving vulnerable women, religious camps, pastoral office meetings, and a minor placed in church leadership. The allegations suggested that local Message leaders knew of predatory behavior but remained silent, turning Goncalves' story into a stark example of how Branhamite authority structures could protect abusive leaders while silencing victims through fear, loyalty, and spiritual control.
Joaquim Gonçalves Silva was a cult leader in South America largely responsible for spreading the "Message" of William Branham throughout Brazil. According to Gonçalves, he was introduced to William Branham's cult doctrine in 1968 through William Branham's "Seven Church Ages" and "20th Century Prophet" booklets printed by Spoken Word (now Voice of God Recordings). After his indoctrination, he began promoting Branham's teachings on the radio and built quite a following throughout Brazil. This transitioned into a powerful force for the cult as Gonçalves built a small army of converts who translated Branham's sermons into Portuguese and spread the "Message" of William Branham in Brazil. He died August 2, 2021 due to complications from Covid-19.[1]
On March 4, 2021, Brazil news media (TV Bandeirantes) broadcast an investigative report looking into allegations of abuse in a local cult church. Apparently, several women have now stepped forward accusing William Branham "Message" Joaquim Gonçalves of sexual abuse and misconduct. Some of the women bravely presented their statements, careful not to identify themselves for fear of retaliation. Message cult pastors in the area, however, refused to comment. According to the news report, cult leaders were aware that Gonçalves was a sexual predator. The case has turned into a criminal investigation.
One of his alleged victims stated that she was attacked during a time that she was most vulnerable, during a marriage crisis and separation from her husband. In the pastoral office, Gonçalves allegedly began fondling her.
[From translated account of new broadcast] "He started running his hand through my hair, then he put me in front of him and ran his hand over my breasts.” The woman claimed that Pastor Joaquim told her: "Whenever you want, please go to my office because I can help you, with any help." During that time she was depressed. She said, "He always praises me and always asks me to come to his office". She stated that while in the Pastoral office, he told her that she was very beautiful and did not need to work because the church would look after her.
One of his alleged victims was a 17-year-old girl. According to her, Gonçalves chose her for a leadership position and began his attacks.
[From translated account of new broadcast] The pastor asked me to be a choir conductor and he started the harassment by saying that I was beautiful, that he was losing sleep, then he started inviting me to his office. At the office, it started with a simple chat. Then it changed. And afterward he started with the compliments.”
Others describe Gonçalves touching their genitals. One woman described Gonçalves sexually abusing her each night of religious camps.
[From translated account of new broadcast] The woman says that she was victimized every night when someone brought her to Pastor Joaquim in the camp. The woman keeps saying that each night she was abused. One of the victims says that he hugs a victim, and rubs his body against them while trying to kiss them. She also claimed that he tried to get her hands on his genitals.
As women began to come forward accusing Gonçalves of sexual abuse, others found the courage to do the same.
[From translated account of new broadcast] One victim says she found a father figure with the religious leader. A protector, a father. But when he tried to run his hand over her breasts it made her deeply sad. She said she had not talked about her abuse before for fear that they would not believe her because she was a woman. She said she only spoke now because there are other victims and now she is not alone in speaking.
More Information:
Branham Cult Pastor's Website (In Chrome, right-click on the page and translate to your language)