LGBT Christians in Spain agree to form a nationwide network

Participants in the 15th gathering of LGBT Christians in Chipiona, southern Spain, agreed on October 11, 2026, to create a nationwide network of Christian groups and associations. The meeting ran from October 9 to 11; Vida Nueva reported its conclusions on October 15.

The proposal won unanimous support, and a preparatory group was formed. A coordinating body and a joint work plan are to follow. The future network is intended to help communities support one another, exchange experiences, organise meetings and develop shared projects.

Madrid-based community CRISMHOM, which took part, confirms that more than a hundred people attended from Spain, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland. The organiser was PADIS Canarias, a group providing pastoral support for LGBT people in the Canary Islands. Participants worked in six thematic groups at a Franciscan spiritual centre, discussing welcome into communities, accompaniment, education and participation in church life.

The Catholic Bishop of Málaga in Spain, José Antonio Satué, sent a greeting but did not attend in person. According to Vida Nueva, he acknowledged that LGBT people had experienced misunderstanding and rejection in church settings and thanked those who had maintained their ties with the Christian community. “You have much to contribute to the Church and, at the same time, can be enriched within it,” the bishop said.

Conservative Catholic publication Infovaticana criticised the greeting. It noted that the account of the bishop’s words published by Vida Nueva contained no mention of Church teaching on sexuality or a call to chastity.

The Chipiona gatherings have been held since 2010. Initially bringing together Christians from Andalusia, they later attracted participants from other regions and countries. The next meeting is planned for October 8–10, 2027.

Urania previously reported on CRISMHOM’s preparation of proposals for the Vatican concerning the Church’s approach to families with LGBT members.