Priestly Payout
Latin Trade, Dec, 2000 by Andrew Downie

THE HIGH PRIESTS AND PRIESTESSES OF Brazil's candomble religion are getting formal recognition--and pensions to go along with it.

Recent changes in the law bring purveyors of the Afro-Brazilian religion into line with Roman Catholic clergy and allow the white-robed female priests, or Maes-de-santo, and their male counterparts, Paes-de-santo, to qualify for state-paid retirement benefits.

"We are changing the law because it was discriminatory," says an adviser to the country's social security minister. "Before, it only covered Roman Catholic and Protestant priests and ministers. Now any religious priests can apply for pensions."

Even though they have not contributed to the social security fund, Candomble priests will be eligible for a monthly stipend of about US$89 after they reach age 67. Brazilians who pay into the fund receive a higher pension, with men qualifying at age 65 and women at 60.