Spanish Bishops Support Religious Freedom Amid Jumilla's Festival Ban

In the wake of the Jumilla City Council's decision to ban Muslim festivals in public spaces, the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) has voiced strong support for the right to religious freedom, a fundamental human right enshrined in the Spanish Constitution. The bishops emphasize that public religious expressions, which are an embodiment of worship freedom, must be protected according to constitutional guarantees. The CEE aligns itself with the Islamic Commission of Spain in opposing the local government's decision, highlighting that the Spanish Constitution safeguards religious freedom in its Article 161. This article guarantees individuals and communities the freedom of ideology, religion, and worship, limiting interventions only to those necessary for maintaining public order as defined by law. The bishops argue that any restrictions imposed by public authorities should only occur in situations where public order may genuinely be at risk due to religious celebrations. Such interventions should be based on objective assessments by qualified specialists rather than subjective or ideological inclinations. Furthermore, the CEE asserts that if restrictions are deemed necessary for the common good, they should apply uniformly to all public demonstrations, not exclusively to religious displays. This broad approach reflects the understanding that all forms of expression in public spaces should be equally respected. Referencing the Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 18, the bishops remind us that everyone has the right to freely express their thoughts, consciences, and religions. This fundamental freedom, they argue, includes the right to change one's beliefs and to manifest those beliefs both publicly and privately, through various forms of practice and observance. The CEE warns that limiting these rights would not only undermine the fundamental liberties of any individual but would also cast a shadow over all religious groups and nonbelievers alike. They see the imposition of such restrictions on religious grounds as a form of discrimination that is wholly inappropriate in democratic societies. As such, the bishops advocate for an inclusive approach that respects and recognizes the diverse tapestry of beliefs within Spain, reaffirming that the right to religious expression should remain upheld and cherished. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3