ABSTRACT
The new order gave Brazil a distinct identity for the new millennium, of a country that was talented, respected, multiracial, multiethnic, and confidently striding onto the First World stage. The exuberant political ferment of the 1980s had some positive results. Since 1985, Brazilians, regardless of their ideological leanings, have fully participated in vigorous partisan politics, informed by media reporting that reflects a broad range of political views and ideologies. Traditionally, Brazilians are adamant in denying any racial or ethnic prejudice. It is true, however, that the farther one progresses up the socioeconomic and political ladder, the whiter one is likely to be. Brazil is without a doubt a major player in the economic and strategic world, but social and political problems persist and fester. Many people feared that the church's growing political involvement would entangle it in matters that were not crucial to it as an institution and as a church.
