Christian Citizenship Honor

Missionary & Community Activities

Requirements

1. Define the term Citizenship.

   Answer: Citizenship is the set of rights and duties that a person has in relation to society and the State, involving political participation (voting, being voted for), civil guarantees (freedom, equality, property), and social and ethical responsibilities (taxes, military service). — Modern citizenship was born in the Greek poleis and ancient Rome. In Brazil, the 1988 Constitution significantly expanded citizenship rights. For the Christian, the Bible teaches submission to the authorities (Romans 13) and the pursuit of the common good. Jesus said 'give to Caesar what is Caesar's' (Matthew 22:21), legitimizing earthly duties. Ellen White emphasizes that Christians should be civic examples.

2. Describe the following flags:
   • Of your country
   • Of your State
   • Of your Municipality
   • Of the Adventist Youth
   • Of the Pathfinders

   Answer: 1) Flag of your country (Brazil): a rectangle with a green background and a yellow rhombus in the center; inside the rhombus there is a blue circle with 27 white stars (representing the states and the Federal District) and a white band crossing it with the motto 'Order and Progress'. 2) Flag of your State: describe the flag of the state where you live, citing its colors, divisions, and symbols (each state has its own design — e.g., São Paulo's has black and white stripes with a red rectangle and the map of Brazil; Minas Gerais' is white with a red triangle and the inscription 'Libertas Quae Sera Tamen'). Research your state's flag and describe its colors and elements. 3) Flag of your Municipality: describe the flag of your city, citing its colors and the coat of arms or symbols that appear on it (each municipality has its own design, generally with the municipal coat of arms in the center). Research your city's flag and describe it. 4) Flag of the Adventist Youth (AY): a white rectangle with an inverted red triangle in the center, containing a golden cross and the initials 'JA' (representing the Adventist Youth); the three points and colors refer to the ideals and motto of the youth ministry. 5) Pathfinder flag: a rectangle divided into three bands (red, white, and blue), with a white triangle containing the central Pathfinder emblem; the triangle symbolizes the three powers (physical, mental, and spiritual) and the colors represent sacrifice (red), purity (white), and loyalty (blue). — Flags are important civic symbols. Brazil's originated in 1889; each star represents a state. The AY flag has a cross symbolizing Christ. The Pathfinder flag has colors representing the blood of Christ (red), purity (white), and faithfulness (blue). State and municipal flags vary: São Paulo has stripes with a map; Rio de Janeiro has a blue coat of arms. Knowing the details demonstrates civic spirit and cultural identity.

3. Research and report the meaning of the colors, symbols, significance, curiosities, and history (if any) of the flags from item 2.

   Answer: Flag of Brazil: green represents the woods/forests, yellow the mineral riches (gold), blue the sky, and the 27 stars the states + the Federal District (arranged like the sky over Rio on 11/15/1889); the white band bears the positivist motto 'Order and Progress' (inspired by Auguste Comte). Adopted on 11/19/1889. AY (Adventist Youth) flag: white background = purity; red triangle = the blood of Christ/the Trinity; cross = salvation through the death of Jesus; the initials 'JA' identify the youth movement; it represents the ideal of young people saved to serve. Pathfinder flag: red = the sacrifice/love of Christ; white = purity; blue = loyalty and faithfulness to the Master; the triangle symbolizes the Trinity (or physical, mental, and spiritual development); the central emblem represents strength, purpose, and the club's evangelistic mission. — The colors and symbols have historical and theological roots. Brazil inherited colors from the royal family (the green of the Braganças and the yellow of the Habsburgs). The positivist motto entered in 1889 with the Republic. The Adventist youth flags were created to represent Christian values: faithfulness, purity, the sacrifice of Christ. Knowing the meanings deepens attachment and responsibility to what is being represented.

4. Demonstrate how to fold the flags from Item 2. Explain how and where they should be stored.

   Answer: Fold the national flag in half horizontally, then in half again to form a narrow band; then fold it in successive triangles from the wide end until you form a final triangle with the star visible. Store it in a dry, clean, ventilated place, away from direct light, in a specific bag or box. — Folding flags is a ceremonial and respectful act. Law No. 5,700/1971 regulates the National Flag. Storing it in an appropriate place preserves the fabric and respect for the symbol. Worn or torn flags must be replaced and incinerated with a ceremony according to the legislation. The Pathfinder and AY flags follow the same principle of respect, although without formal legal regulation.

5. Know when the flags may and when they must be raised.

   Answer: They MAY be raised on any day of the year (from sunrise to sunset) at residences and on civic occasions. They MUST be raised obligatorily on official dates: September 7 (Independence), November 19 (Flag Day), November 15 (Republic), January 1 (Universal Fraternization), April 21 (Tiradentes), May 1 (Labor Day), October 12 (Patron Saint), and daily on public buildings. — Law No. 5,700/1971 details when to raise the flag. On federal buildings the flag stays raised permanently during the day. At night it may only stay raised if illuminated. In official mourning it flies at half-mast. State and municipal dates are added on. At camporees and club events, raising the national, AY, and Pathfinder flags is part of the ceremony, demonstrating civic spirit and respect for Christian symbols.

6. Do the following:
   • Explain the reason for the existence of the National Anthem
   • Select and research the meanings of the words in the national anthem that you do not know
   • Recite the lyrics from memory
   • Correctly sing the national anthem
   • Recite the Pathfinder anthem and explain its meaning
   • Recite the Pathfinder ideals and their meaning
   • Explain the meaning of the Maranatha position

   Answer: National Anthem: a symbol of the homeland with lyrics by Osório Duque-Estrada and music by Francisco Manuel; it should be sung from memory with an upright posture. The Pathfinder Anthem expresses mission and faithfulness. Ideals: the Motto 'Always Ready', the Pledge, the Law, and spiritual purposes. — The Brazilian National Anthem has existed since 1831, made official in 1922. The Pathfinder Anthem reinforces commitment to God and mission. The Ideals form the spiritual and ethical foundation of the organization. The Maranatha posture (an Aramaic word meaning 'The Lord comes') is a symbol of Adventist eschatological hope. Being able to recite and explain these elements demonstrates a consolidated Pathfinder identity and Christian civic spirit.

7. Explain the meaning of the statement Jesus made in Matthew 22:21: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's".

   Answer: Jesus teaches that Christians have dual citizenship: earthly (duties to the government, such as taxes, laws, and respect) and heavenly (worship and exclusive faithfulness to God). Both must be fulfilled without conflict when possible, recognizing that civil authorities were instituted by God (Romans 13), but obedience to God takes priority when human laws conflict with divine commandments. — The historical context was a test by the Pharisees about paying tribute to Rome. Jesus' answer balances two worlds: he neither denies civil obligations (he authorized the tribute) nor compromises spiritual devotion. For Adventists this grounds the duty to respect laws (taxes, civil rules) while at the same time keeping the Sabbath, refusing idolatry, and following the Christian conscience when there is a clash with human norms.

8. Why are laws important? What was God's purpose in giving us the Law? Why does a country need laws?

   Answer: 1) Why laws are important: to organize society, protect rights, prevent and resolve conflicts, and ensure justice and orderly coexistence. 2) God's purpose in giving us the Law: to reveal His character, show what sin is, lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24), and establish eternal principles of love for God and neighbor. 3) Why a country needs laws: without laws there would be disorder, injustice, and impunity; they regulate the conduct of citizens, ensure equal rights and duties, and allow society to function in peace. — Without laws there would be anarchy. Human laws reflect (ideally) universal moral principles. The Ten Commandments are a moral synthesis that still underpins modern civil codes (the prohibition against killing, stealing, lying). In a plural society, laws pacify relationships and limit power. For the Christian, obeying laws is part of the faith, except when they directly contradict the Word of God, as illustrated in Acts 5:29.

9. Research your country's Constitution and list at least 10 important rights that it guarantees.

   Answer: 1) Life; 2) Freedom (including of expression and religion); 3) Equality before the law; 4) Security; 5) Property; 6) Free, quality education; 7) Universal healthcare (SUS); 8) Work with rights (CLT); 9) Secret and universal voting from age 16; 10) Due process of law and the right to a full defense. — The 1988 Constitution, called the Citizen Constitution, is one of the most detailed in the world in social rights. Article 5 lists more than 70 clauses with fundamental rights. Article 6 enumerates the social ones. The rights of children (Article 227) and of minorities received special attention. Knowing these rights empowers the young citizen and strengthens the pursuit of justice and the fulfillment of the democratic duties required by life in society.

10. What are the most important duties of a citizen of your country? How are they similar to or different from the duties of a citizen of heaven? What should you do when the duties of a citizen of your country interfere with fulfilling the duties of a citizen of Heaven?

    Answer: 1) Most important duties of the citizen (earthly): respect the laws, pay taxes, vote, perform military service when called up, defend the homeland, and preserve public property and heritage and the environment. 2) Duties of the citizen of Heaven (heavenly): love God above all, love your neighbor, evangelize, keep the Sabbath, maintain moral purity, and obey the divine commandments. 3) Similarities and differences: similarities — both require ethics, honesty, responsibility, and respect for others; differences — the earthly duties aim at the order of society and can change according to country and era, while the heavenly ones are eternal, based on the Word of God, and apply everywhere. 4) What to do when the country's duties interfere with those of Heaven: obey God first, for 'we must obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29); one must respect the authorities (Romans 13) and seek to fulfill both obligations without conflict, but when a human law requires disobeying a divine commandment, faithfulness to God takes priority, always maintaining a respectful and peaceful attitude. — Christians live in two dimensions. Fortunately, most of the time, the duties converge (do not kill, do not steal, be upright). When they diverge (religious persecution, the Sabbath, idolatry), the Christian chooses God, but with peaceful submission to the consequences. Daniel prayed despite the prohibition, but accepted the lions' den. Peter preached despite the order to the contrary, but did not use violence. The conflict requires wisdom and prayer.

11. Explain the system of government in your country.

    Answer: Brazil is a Presidential Federative Republic, divided into three independent and harmonious Powers: the Executive (President, Governors, Mayors, who execute laws), the Legislative (Chamber of Deputies, Senate, Assemblies, and City Councils, who create laws), and the Judiciary (the STF, STJ, and other courts, who judge conflicts). — The separation of powers (Montesquieu) prevents the concentration of power and guarantees democracy. The President is elected for 4 years and may be reelected once. Each power oversees the others (a system of checks and balances). Federalism divides power among the Union, the States, and the Municipalities, each with its own competencies. The citizen participates by voting, overseeing, and being able to hold elective office from specific ages.

12. Conduct an interview with a public authority (municipal, state, or federal) and ask them about the duties and activities inherent to their role.

    Answer: Schedule in advance through the office, explaining that it is an educational project of the club; prepare 8-10 questions (e.g., main duties, daily routine, challenges, required training, contact with citizens, current projects); show up in uniform with identification; take notes or record with permission; take photos if possible; thank them formally; and afterward send a thank-you letter and a report of the project. — Interviews with authorities train the young citizen for democratic participation. They show the complexity of public office and dispel myths. Preparation ensures respect for the authority's time. Questions about routine, challenges, and training humanize the office. You may request a visit to the office, a session of the City Council, or a tour of a department. These contacts can inspire future leaders among the Pathfinders.

13. Do research on a famous person from your country. State what they did to stand out before society. Present the result of your research in one of the following ways:
    • Essay of at least 1 page
    • Presentation to the club members lasting at least 2 minutes

    Answer: Choose a relevant figure (Tiradentes, Princess Isabel, Santos Dumont, Oswaldo Cruz, the Brazilian Mother Teresa, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Paulo Freire, etc.), research from reliable sources (books, official sites, documentaries), and structure: a brief biography, historical context, main achievements, social/cultural impact, notable quotes, and legacy. — Researching historical personalities trains the search for sources, synthesis, and expression. Brazil has biographical richness in science (Oswaldo Cruz, Carlos Chagas), art (Portinari, Villa-Lobos), sports (Pelé, Senna), education (Paulo Freire), politics (Tiradentes, Rui Barbosa), and religion (Frei Betto, missionaries). Knowing their trajectories inspires the Pathfinder to also positively impact their community and nation.

14. Make a list with at least 10 items from one of the following:
    • Famous quotes from leaders of your country
    • Famous historical places in your country
    • Well-known historical events in your country

    Answer: Choose ONE of the categories below and put together a list with at least 10 items from it. Here are options for each category: 1) Famous quotes from leaders of your country (Brazil): 'Independence or Death' (D. Pedro I); 'Freedom even if late' (Tiradentes); 'It is forbidden to forbid' (a famous phrase from the 60s); 'Brazil, love it or leave it'; 'The oil is ours' (a nationalist campaign); 'Forward, Brazil'; 'No one lets go of anyone's hand'; 'A drop of peace is worth more than a ton of victories'; 'The people united will never be defeated'; 'Hope overcame fear'. (Complete it until you have at least 10.) 2) Famous historical places in your country (Brazil): the Pelourinho (Salvador-BA); the historic city of Ouro Preto (MG); Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro-RJ); Pampulha (Belo Horizonte-MG); Sugarloaf Mountain (RJ); the historic center of Olinda (PE); Fort of the Three Wise Men (Natal-RN); the Municipal Theater (RJ/SP); the National Congress (Brasília-DF); the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Mariana/Ouro Preto (MG). 3) Very well-known historical events in your country (Brazil): the Discovery of Brazil (1500); the Minas Conspiracy (1789); the Independence of Brazil (1822); the abolition of slavery/Golden Law (1888); the Proclamation of the Republic (1889); the Revolution of 1930; the creation of Brasília (1960); the Diretas Já movement (1984); the Citizen Constitution (1988); the Real Plan (1994). — Knowing historical milestones strengthens cultural identity. Each quote conveys the values of an era. Each place connects the present to the past (UNESCO World Heritage in Brasília, Ouro Preto, Salvador). Each event is a watershed moment. These elements make up the collective memory and should be preserved and taught to new generations through visits, readings, museums, and oral traditions in Brazilian families.

15. Describe what you can do as a citizen to help your church and your country.

    Answer: For the church: attend services, pay tithe faithfully, evangelize, teach lessons, take part in classes, help with missionary projects and ADRA. For the country: vote conscientiously, pay the correct taxes, respect laws, vote for honest candidates, take part in community efforts, report irregularities, preserve public property and the environment, volunteer in social causes, and be an exemplary citizen for other people. — The Christian faith is practical, not merely theoretical. Serving the church strengthens the evangelistic mission and collective spiritual growth. Serving the country fulfills the mandate to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Small daily acts (not littering, helping the elderly, paying bills on time) build a better nation. The conscientious vote is a special responsibility. Being an example of honesty impacts colleagues and family.

16. Research and explain what the requirements are for a foreigner to obtain citizenship in your country.

    Answer: Requirements for a foreigner to become naturalized Brazilian (ordinary naturalization, Law 13,445/2017 - Migration Law): 1) civil capacity according to Brazilian law; 2) legal residence in Brazil for at least 4 years; 3) communication in the Portuguese language, according to the condition of the applicant; 4) no criminal conviction or being rehabilitated (good standing). Reduced terms: 1 year for natives of Portuguese-speaking countries, or for those who have a Brazilian child or spouse, or who have rendered/can render relevant service to Brazil. The application is made to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. — Law No. 13,445/2017 (Migration Law) regulates naturalization. There are types: ordinary (4 years), extraordinary (15 years), provisional (deep ties), by marriage (1 year), and for natives of Portuguese-speaking countries (1 year). After approval, the foreigner acquires all the rights of a native-born Brazilian except the office of President, Vice-President, and the line of succession. Citizenship is a symbol of belonging and shared responsibility with Brazil.