The Evangelical Association of the Israelite Mission of the New Universal Covenant (Spanish: Asociación Evangélica de la Misión Israelita del Nuevo Pacto Universal, AEMINPU) is a religious and political movement founded in Peru in 1968. Commonly known as the Israelitas, the group combines elements of Old Testament law, Incan traditions, and a communal agricultural system. Over time, it expanded from a small dissident group into a national organization with hundreds of thousands of members and an affiliated political party.
The movement’s founder, Ezequiel Ataucusi Gamonal, was born in 1918 in the Arequipa region of Peru to a peasant family. He grew up in a cultural environment that blended Roman Catholicism with indigenous Andean traditions and later reported experiencing visions during his youth. In the 1940s, he served in the Peruvian military, and afterward worked as a carpenter and shoemaker. In 1953, he converted to Seventh-Day Adventism, but his claims of receiving direct revelations led to his expulsion. Following his departure, nearly one hundred followers joined him, forming the early base of the movement.
In 1962, Ataucusi began establishing settlements in the Peruvian Amazon, which he called “Living Frontiers.” He taught that the region would serve as a refuge for followers during an anticipated apocalypse. Around this time, he described a vision referred to as the “New Covenant,” in which he claimed to receive instruction from the Holy Trinity to promote a revised version of the Ten Commandments. By 1968, the movement was formally recognized by the Peruvian government, a development that coincided with land reforms that enabled the group to acquire territory in the jungle.
During its early development, the group established distinct practices and structures. Members adopted forms of dress intended to resemble ancient Hebrews. Men typically did not cut their hair or beards, while women wore long tunics and veils. The group observes the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Religious practices include animal sacrifices, such as cows, goats, and pigeons, conducted on altars by trained priests. These activities take place in “Biblical Training Centers” which have been established across Peru.
The movement’s doctrine developed as a combination of biblical interpretation and indigenous beliefs. Followers hold that the Incas were a chosen people and interpret references in the Book of Ezekiel as relating to Cusco, described as the “navel” of the Incan Empire. This framework contributed to the movement’s growth among rural, Quechua-speaking populations in the Andes. In the 1980s, during the period of insurgency led by the Shining Path, the group presented a communal and nonviolent alternative that attracted individuals from similar social backgrounds.
In 1989, the movement established its political arm, the Agricultural People’s Front of Peru (FREPAP). The party promotes policies focused on agricultural workers, land distribution, and a system informed by religious principles. Ataucusi ran for president three times between 1990 and 2000. Although he was not elected, the party gradually increased its presence in regional and national politics. Its symbol, a blue fish, became widely recognized in rural and working-class areas.
Throughout this period, the organization was characterized by a centralized leadership structure. Ataucusi held both spiritual and administrative authority. He also faced multiple legal accusations over the years, including charges related to murder, kidnapping, sexual abuse of minors, and forced labor. He was acquitted in court, but the allegations, along with reports of polygamy, affected public perception of the movement. The group’s interpretation of religious texts has also led to criticism regarding its views on social issues, including attitudes toward the LGBT community.
After Ataucusi’s death in June 2000 from kidney failure, leadership passed to his son, Jonás Ataucusi. The transition involved internal disputes, as other family members challenged the succession. Some followers left after expectations that Ataucusi would return to life after three days were not fulfilled. Despite these developments, the organization continued operating under Jonás’s leadership.
In 2020, FREPAP achieved its strongest electoral result, winning 15 seats in the Peruvian Congress and securing the second-largest share of the vote. As of the mid-2020s, AEMINPU continues to operate religious centers and agricultural communities in Peru, with an estimated membership exceeding 200,000.
Key Sources:
Brehaut, I. (2022, June 28). A New Promised Land in the Peruvian Jungle. Pulitzer Center.
Loshkin, A. (2016, February 24). Tropical Promised Land: New Israelites of the Amazon. Haaretz.
OjoPúblico. (2015, January 19). Ezequiel Ataucusi: El profeta que contuvo a Sendero Luminoso.
Ossio, J. (2018, April 11). Ezequiel Ataucusi: el profeta de los desvalidos. El Comercio.