Holy shift

Betty Henderson

SPAIN is traditionally associ­ ated with a strong Catholic identity, but recent reports show that Catholicism is on the decline in the nation. A report by the Ferrer i Guardia Foundation, released on Friday, April 7 revealed that a shift in religious attitudes is underway.

The report found that four out of 10 Spaniards now consider themselves agnostic, atheist, or non­believers, while new spiritualities are on the rise. The trend towards atheism began during the transition to democracy after the end of the dictatorship in 1978.

The pandemic also appears to have contributed to the rise in non­belief, as people re­evaluated their moral and spiritual beliefs during a time of crisis. The younger generation appears to be leading this shift, with six out of 10 peo­ ple aged between 18 and 35 now saying that they do not believe in God.

However, the rise of nonbelief does not necessarily mean a rejection of spirituality. Many Spaniards are turning to new spiritual practices and beliefs. As Spain becomes increasingly diverse and open­minded, it is embracing new ways of understanding the world.

The news came at a fascinating time as the religious festivals of Easter, Passover and Ramadan coincide in a rare overlap which only happens three times every century.

Agency for International Development and Cooperation (AECID) is financing workshops covering sexual issues, inclusive language, feminism, and gender ideology, including topics such as the use of sexual toys and transgender identity in 10 Latin American countries.

The Spanish government’s policies of gender and sexual liberation have made waves within its borders. However, perceived attempts by the government to export its policies on the matter to Spanish­speaking countries, have sparked outrage in countries including Honduras.

What many Spaniards find most disturbing is that this practice, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has now spread to 10 Latin American countries, with funding for workshops on sexual toys, indigenous feminism, and ‘trans poetry’, among others. The funding comes from taxes paid by citizens of the European nation.

The workshops have been offered through the AECID, 18 cultural centres in Latin America and as well as Equatorial Guinea (the only Spanish­speaking African country).

Betty Henderson RESIDENTS in Albox are warning others about a father and son who allegedly swindled hundreds of euros from local businesses and individuals, taking advantage of the community's kindness.

The pair arrived in the town claiming to be divorcees in need of a fresh start and established relationships with sympathetic locals who offered assistance. However, it later emerged that the men borrowed money from kindhearted members of the community without any intention of paying it back.