Simão Gonçalves Toco was born on February 24, 1918, in Sadi Zulumongo, Maquela do Zombo, Uige, Angola, and was given the Kikongo name Mayamona.
At the age of 8, he learned the alphabet from Elder Domingos Quibeta, where he demonstrated exceptional talent. To further his education, he was sent to the Baptist Missionary Society of Kibocolo (BMS) in January 1926.
Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the British missionary Arthur Enock Guest. Within the mission, he distinguished himself as the most intelligent member of the group, displaying obedience, humility, and generosity, which earned him great admiration from both the missionaries and his peers.
He attended the Kibokolo Baptist Mission from 1926 to 1933, where he was recognized for his academic excellence. He then continued his studies at Liceu Salvador Correia in Luanda from 1934 to 1937, actively participating in the Methodist church during his time in the capital.
After completing his studies, Toco returned to Kibokolo and worked as a teacher. In 1943, he moved to Kinshasa (then Leopoldville), Belgian Congo, where he became involved in the Baptist church, forming a Bible study group and a successful Kibokolo choir that performed in local churches.
In 1946, his contributions to the Baptist mission and choir led to his invitation, alongside Gaspar de Almeida and Jessé Chipenda Chiúla, to the International Protestant Missionary Conference held from July 15 to 21, 1946, in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa). During this event, he led a powerful prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon Africa.
On July 25, 1949, following a dispute with the Leopoldville Baptist Mission, Toco called for a prayer vigil at his residence (159 Mayenge Street). According to witnesses, a strong wind filled the room, and attendees began to tremble, experiencing divine manifestations and miracles through biblical invocations.
This moment is assumed by Tocoism as the moment when the Holy Spirit descended on Africa and the Christian church was “remembered”, in order to return to the path of the original church of the time of the Apostles. It is therefore the founding date of the Tocoist movement.
Toco’s growing influence led to tensions with colonial authorities. In 1950, he and many followers were arrested by Belgian authorities and deported to Angola, accused of disturbing public order. The Portuguese authorities sought to suppress the movement by dispersing members across forced labor camps and settlements.
Toco was sent through Loge Valley, then Luanda, Caconda, and Jáu, before being exiled to Baía dos Tigres, Moçâmedes (now Namibe). Later, he was assigned to work as an assistant at a lighthouse in Ponta Albina, further isolating him from his followers. Despite these hardships, his teachings continued to spread.
On August 22, 1949, in Kinshasa, Belgian Congo, Simão Toco married Maria Rosa Toco, marking the beginning of their shared journey. During his exile in southern Angola, they had three children—two daughters and one son. Tragically, their son passed away shortly after birth, in what was described as a deliberate act of colonial repression aimed at undermining Toco’s legacy. Despite these challenges, his family remained steadfast, supporting his mission and ensuring the continuation of his spiritual work.
He returned from exile (Azores – Portugal) on August 31, 1974, where he had been for more than 11 years. During this period, he led his Church through thousands of Epistles that he regularly sent to Angola and other parts of the world under censorship by the Portuguese colonial authorities.
This return took place by sea aboard the ship “Principe Perfeito,” which docked at the Lobito Commercial Port (PCL) on August 29, 1974, where he was reportedly greeted with a grand popular reception.
On the day of his disembarkation at the Luanda Commercial Port, he walked through the main streets of Luanda that separated the Commercial Port and the former Indigenous Quarter (the Congolese) as a demonstration of conviction and affirmation given the political-military context of the time.
The Portuguese State only legally recognized the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World (The Tocoists) in 1974 during the period of political transition to the Independence of Angola, with Admiral Rosa Coutinho as the High Commissioner.
Upon his return to Angola, he began to focus on strengthening the cohesion and integrity of the Church, making several pastoral visits to various locations within and outside the country.
At the same time, he initiated contacts with the Leaders of the three National Liberation Movements (MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA) with the aim of the relentless pursuit of peace and reconciliation among Angolans, efforts that were thwarted due to the intransigence of the conflicting parties.
His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Tôco passed away on December 31, 1983, after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest on January 10, 1984, in his hometown, with a moving funeral procession of over 200 vehicles, including cars and trucks, traveling from Luanda to Maquela do Zombo. Pastor Lopes Martins Panzo “Cayengo” led the funeral rites.
His teachings emphasize spiritual enlightenment, self-reliance, and social justice.
