Faith
Spanish Priest Faces Jail for Defending Faith
Faith Facts
- A Catholic priest in Spain may face three years in jail for comments deemed “Islamophobic.”
- Father Custodio Ballester questioned the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue with Islam.
- Supporters say his freedom of expression and Christian conscience are under threat.
Father Custodio Ballester was convicted in Spain for remarks questioning interfaith dialogue with Islam.
He argued Christianity and Islam differ fundamentally in their approach to dialogue and religious freedom.
Ballester warned that silencing Christian voices could threaten the nation’s freedom of expression.
“The survival of freedom of expression in today’s Spain depends on the ruling in this case,” he stated.
He plans to appeal any prison sentence, seeking justice through the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.
Spanish president María García expressed support, highlighting the importance of protecting those who warn against threats to religious liberty.
“Defending religious freedom also means protecting the freedom of those, like Father Custodio, who warn of realities that have already caused deaths in our country and in Europe,” García said.
Christian patriots are called to pray for courage and wisdom for those who stand for faith and liberty in trying times.