 Protestant religions were often introduced by immigrants from Europe but over the last three decades, the number of Neo Pentecostal churches such as the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God have grown significantly.In the 19th century, while the vast majority of Brazilians were nominal Catholics, the nation was underserved by priests, and for large numbers their religion was only nominal.Protestantism in Brazil largely originated with European immigrants as well as British American missionaries following up on efforts that began in the 1820s.