Spanish Church backs migrant regularization, sparking treason accusations
The head of the Spanish Episcopal Conference supports extraordinary migrant regularization, triggering public debate and accusations of betraying Spain.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Church calls for migrant regularization amid controversy
Luis Argüello, president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), has backed a popular legislative initiative for the extraordinary regularization of foreign nationals, a measure Congress will debate on April 9, 2024. In his statement, he highlighted "the dignity of thousands of people," migration causes, human trafficking mafias, and possible reception capacities. Critics quickly accused the Church of promoting irregular immigration and acting merely as an NGO. The debate escalated into clashes over the institution's historical role in Spain.
What did Argüello say about regularization?
The Archbishop of Valladolid and CEE president shared his views on social media and outlets like COPE. He argued that "regularizing means making normal what already exists," framing the issue around migrant dignity, root causes of migration, anti-mafia efforts, and reception limits. The popular initiative to be voted on seeks extraordinary regularization for foreigners in irregular administrative status.
The Episcopal Conference is not alone; Cáritas Española has issued statements debunking misinformation, noting that many irregular migrants work in labor-shortage sectors and their regularization does not create job competition. The organization asserts the measure guarantees rights without displacing Spanish workers.
Critical reaction: Treason and immigration promotion charges
Some messages directly accused the Church of betraying Spain, arguing it has stabbed the country in the back for years and acts on political interests. Others claimed the Church has become an NGO distributing funds to groups like Open Arms or the Red Cross, using kindness rhetoric to cover mass migrant promotion.
Other voices stated the Catholic Church promotes Europe's destruction, seeking trinc regardless of origin. They noted rising Latin American conversions to evangelicalism and Muslim migrants' refusal to convert to Catholicism. Some accused the Church of allowing grave desecration and betraying those who saved it during the Civil War.
Historical role in Spain: Accusations and defenses
The discussion turned to historical grievances, recalling the Church's opposition to the Second Republic and its role under Francoism, with claims it used Spain as toilet paper. Defenders argued the Church holds a more complete vision than any state, preaching against mass emigration in origin countries while urging humanity in host nations, citing African bishops as examples.
Some accused the Vatican of never forgiving Spain since Philip II and accumulating bad karma. Cardinal Sarah was mentioned, allegedly stating Africans should return home and the Church isn't an NGO. References were made to Guasonic infiltration since the 19th century and calling Vatican II an error.
Debate on charity and state roles
One view held the Church should care for the needy, not the state, with priests focusing on charity and missions. Pogre religion was criticized for assuming Church functions and having laws on its side. Others argued the Church offers a healthier vision, preaching against the impoverishment caused by mass emigration in origin countries.
It was noted the Church operates where preaching is banned, acting as a simple NGO feeding children and running women's workshops without conversion intent. This was interpreted as proof the Church neglects evangelization and believes all religions are equal.
Controversy over funding and property tax
Some demanded the Church pay property tax (IBI) and lose public funding. Criticism targeted money going to NGOs like Open Arms or the Red Cross, mentioning the 13TV scandal and Cáritas supporting migrant families. It was recalled that Church funding stems from Mendizábal's disentailment, formalized in law.
Funding debates mixed with accusations the Church promotes immigration for trinc and focuses on social work over evangelization. Defenders insisted the Church doesn't betray anything, blaming infiltrated elements for distorting its message.
The debate on migrant regularization and the Catholic Church's role in Spain remains open. The April 9, 2024, Congressional vote will be a turning point. Controversy is expected to intensify, though the initiative's success and political impact remain uncertain.
Luis Argüello, president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), has backed a popular legislative initiative for the extraordinary regularization of foreign nationals, a measure Congress will debate on April 9, 2024. In his statement, he highlighted "the dignity of thousands of people," migration causes, human trafficking mafias, and possible reception capacities. Critics quickly accused the Church of promoting irregular immigration and acting merely as an NGO. The debate escalated into clashes over the institution's historical role in Spain.
What did Argüello say about regularization?
The Archbishop of Valladolid and CEE president shared his views on social media and outlets like COPE. He argued that "regularizing means making normal what already exists," framing the issue around migrant dignity, root causes of migration, anti-mafia efforts, and reception limits. The popular initiative to be voted on seeks extraordinary regularization for foreigners in irregular administrative status.
The Episcopal Conference is not alone; Cáritas Española has issued statements debunking misinformation, noting that many irregular migrants work in labor-shortage sectors and their regularization does not create job competition. The organization asserts the measure guarantees rights without displacing Spanish workers.
Critical reaction: Treason and immigration promotion charges
Some messages directly accused the Church of betraying Spain, arguing it has stabbed the country in the back for years and acts on political interests. Others claimed the Church has become an NGO distributing funds to groups like Open Arms or the Red Cross, using kindness rhetoric to cover mass migrant promotion.
Other voices stated the Catholic Church promotes Europe's destruction, seeking trinc regardless of origin. They noted rising Latin American conversions to evangelicalism and Muslim migrants' refusal to convert to Catholicism. Some accused the Church of allowing grave desecration and betraying those who saved it during the Civil War.
Historical role in Spain: Accusations and defenses
The discussion turned to historical grievances, recalling the Church's opposition to the Second Republic and its role under Francoism, with claims it used Spain as toilet paper. Defenders argued the Church holds a more complete vision than any state, preaching against mass emigration in origin countries while urging humanity in host nations, citing African bishops as examples.
Some accused the Vatican of never forgiving Spain since Philip II and accumulating bad karma. Cardinal Sarah was mentioned, allegedly stating Africans should return home and the Church isn't an NGO. References were made to Guasonic infiltration since the 19th century and calling Vatican II an error.
Debate on charity and state roles
One view held the Church should care for the needy, not the state, with priests focusing on charity and missions. Pogre religion was criticized for assuming Church functions and having laws on its side. Others argued the Church offers a healthier vision, preaching against the impoverishment caused by mass emigration in origin countries.
It was noted the Church operates where preaching is banned, acting as a simple NGO feeding children and running women's workshops without conversion intent. This was interpreted as proof the Church neglects evangelization and believes all religions are equal.
Controversy over funding and property tax
Some demanded the Church pay property tax (IBI) and lose public funding. Criticism targeted money going to NGOs like Open Arms or the Red Cross, mentioning the 13TV scandal and Cáritas supporting migrant families. It was recalled that Church funding stems from Mendizábal's disentailment, formalized in law.
Funding debates mixed with accusations the Church promotes immigration for trinc and focuses on social work over evangelization. Defenders insisted the Church doesn't betray anything, blaming infiltrated elements for distorting its message.
The debate on migrant regularization and the Catholic Church's role in Spain remains open. The April 9, 2024, Congressional vote will be a turning point. Controversy is expected to intensify, though the initiative's success and political impact remain uncertain.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (127 replies).
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