 In the late nineteenth 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.The Catholic Church in Brazil was de-established in 1890, and responded by increasing the number of dioceses and the efficiency of its clergy.Many Protestants came from a large German immigrant community, but they were seldom engaged in proselytism and grew mostly by natural increase.