Spanish bishops condemn conversion practices, affirm LGBTQ+ outreach

Spanish Catholic bishops have publicly denounced so-called "conversion" practices targeting individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. This decision has been met with both support and criticism within the Catholic community.

'CRISMHOM', a Madrid-based LGBTQ+ Catholic association, released a statement on September 19 expressing gratitude for the support of Cardinal José Cobo of Madrid and Bishop José Antonio Satué of Málaga. The organization, as reported by ReligionDigital.org, characterized the prelates as "doorkeepers who open their arms to welcome rather than impose a conversion in which we renounce the gift of the rainbow with which we have been blessed.”

The statement followed recent pronouncements from both Cardinal Cobo and Bishop Satué, as reported by The Catholic Herald. Cardinal Cobo, who assumed his role in Madrid last year, has consistently emphasized the Church's need to "accompany" LGBTQ+ individuals with care and understanding. Similarly, Bishop Satué, appointed to Málaga in June by Pope Leo XIV, has advocated for a pastoral approach centered on inclusivity and avoiding confrontation.

CRISMHOM's statement further applauded the two bishops for their role in "building a diverse Church made of living stones." The organization commended them for resisting pressure to promote conversion therapies, which CRISMHOM described as harmful attempts to suppress or erase LGBTQ+ identities.

The Archdiocese of Madrid is currently preparing for its annual "Week of the Word," an initiative designed to encourage scriptural reflection as the pastoral year commences. In his invitation, Cardinal Cobo urged the faithful to "return to the Word" and allow it to be a source of renewal in a society marked by division. He also expressed gratitude to scholars, clergy, religious, and laity for their daily engagement with Scripture, which he said, "makes the Church fruitful."

The Spanish hierarchy's careful approach to issues of sexuality aligns with a broader trend under Pope Leo XIV, who has made a series of appointments that suggest a continuation of the progressive elements of his predecessor's papacy. Bishop Satué's appointment to Málaga has been interpreted in this context, with commentators noting his history of outreach to marginalized groups within the Church.

However, this new direction has also faced opposition. Traditionalist Catholic voices, particularly within Italy, have condemned what they view as a "capitulation" to secular ideology, accusing the bishops of misleading the faithful.