Archdiocese of Madrid holds event featuring testimonies of LGBTI families

Controversy on social media

The announcement by the Madrid Archdiocese has provoked many critical comments but also some positive ones.

In response, Father Pablo Pich Aguilera of the Archdiocese of Barcelona theorized about the possibility that the archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Carlos Osoro, may cancel the event.

Father Manuel Navarro, a priest of the Archdiocese of Madrid, pointed out that the event “could be a good opportunity, if it were accompanied by the doctrine and tradition of the Church on the family and marriage.”

However, he added: “If it is to change the faith of the Church, [it’s] a double-edged sword.”

There have also been reactions in favor of the initiative. Juan Carlos González Sanz, who identifies as “Christian, socialist” and who ran for mayor as a candidate of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) in the last municipal elections, tweeted: “A proposal that brings @archimadrid closer to the lives of many people who feel that the Church does not welcome them.”

Twitter user @cristianos_LGTB signaled its support with a simple “thank you.”

Archdiocese of Madrid: It’s ‘a pastoral activity’

In the midst of the controversy, ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, queried sources in the Archdiocese of Madrid, which assured that the event is “a pastoral activity of accompaniment that is within the mission of the Church” and that it was publicized just like other events.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.