Spain
10 things to know about the Virgin of Guadalupe
By guest — December 9, 2016
(RNS) While other manifestations of Mary only claim a region or country at best, Guadalupe is the only one to reign over two continents.
Mazel tov to the first Spanish-born rabbi since 1492 (COMMENTARY)
By A. James Rudin — February 24, 2016
(RNS) Haim Casas grew up in a Catholic family in Cordoba but believes he descends from “converso” Jews who continued practicing Jewish rituals in secret.
Vatican says transgender man cannot be a godparent
By Rosie Scammell — September 3, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Alex Salinas was born a woman but has since undergone hormone therapy and has a male ID in Spain. His local bishop and the Vatican rejected the family’s request to have Salinas as a godfather.
Jewish singer Matisyahu’s concert canceled in Spain when he refuses to denounce Israel
By Reuters — August 18, 2015
He refused demands by a boycott-Israel group to make a political statement supporting Palestinians. No other performers were asked to make statements.
Spain passes law granting dual nationality to Sephardic Jews
By Reuters — June 12, 2015
MADRID (Reuters) Spain's parliament on Thursday passed a law allowing descendants of Sephardic Jews to gain nationality, more than five centuries after their ancestors were expelled from the country.
Meet the Colachos, men who jump over babies during Feast of Corpus Christi
By Gil Shefler — June 13, 2014
CASTRILLO DE MURCIA, Spain (RNS) The sight of a grown man dressed as a fiend leaping over the helpless babies might strike panic in the heart of some parents. But locals say the only injuries are to the hamstrings of the jumpers.
Spanish Muslims, or Moriscos, seek parity with Jews expelled from Spain
By Gil Shefler — June 5, 2014
RABAT, Morocco (RNS) Like Sephardic Jews, Muslims were an integral part of Spain’s society before being painfully uprooted by Christian rulers. Many were forced to convert. A large number perished at sea.
The ‘atheist Pope Francis’? Uruguay’s president draws comparisons
By Chris Stedman — May 22, 2014
Why are people comparing Uruguay’s President José Mujica, an atheist, with Pope Francis?
Targeted Islamic outreach to Hispanics achieving results
By Ken Chitwood — February 28, 2014
PEARLAND, Texas (RNS) “My conversion was a shock for my family, they thought I rejected Jesus, Mary, my culture,” said Imam Isa Parada, one of the leaders of Islam In Spanish. “My dad thought I was going to be a terrorist.”
Sephardic Jews eager to apply for Spanish citizenship
By Meritxell Mir — February 17, 2014
(RNS) Sephardic organizations estimate that as many as 3.5 million Jews could potentially apply for a Spanish passport. The reaction from the Sephardic community has been huge.
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