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Is the word crença the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "crença" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowel "e" is typically more open, and the nasalized "en" is very clearly articulated. The rhythm of Brazilian speech is more syllable-timed, making the word sound more melodic. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" (becoming shorter or more closed), and the rhythm is more stress-timed. This causes the word to sound more clipped or "swallowed" to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Minha crença é que tudo vai dar certo. (My belief is that everything will work out.)
2. Ele tem uma crença muito forte na ciência. (He has a very strong belief in science.)
3. Essa é uma crença popular muito antiga. (That is a very old folk belief.)
4. Não mude sua crença por causa de críticas. (Don't change your belief because of criticism.)
5. A crença dele na justiça é inabalável. (His belief in justice is unshakable.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A minha crença é que tudo correrá bem. (My belief is that everything will go well.)
2. Ele tem uma crença muito profunda na ciência. (He has a very deep belief in science.)
3. Esta é uma crença popular bastante antiga. (This is a quite an old folk belief.)
4. Não alteres a tua crença devido a críticas. (Do not change your belief due to criticism.)
5. A crença dele na justiça é inabalável. (His belief in justice is unshakable.)