“Heal me and save me, for you are the one I praise.”
Evangelical Focus recently reported that at least 17 evangelical churches in Barcelona face possible closure due to the city’s urban development plan, putting thousands of believers at risk of losing their worship spaces. Some churches have already received closure notices from local authorities, while others were informed through a recent meeting hosted by the Catalonia Evangelical Council (CEC).
The CEC expressed deep concern that “thousands of worshippers may lose their places of worship.” Many of these churches are located in the Sant Andreu area, a former industrial zone, where worship spaces were created by renovating warehouses or commercial buildings. Some churches own these properties, while others rent them.
Barcelona city officials argue that these buildings fall under industrial zoning, where religious activities are prohibited under the Urban Planning Act. A city spokesperson stated, “Worship is not allowed in industrial zones, and many of these churches do not have proper operating permits.”
Since December 2023, 11 church facilities have been inspected and notified of potential violations, with deadlines set through October 2024. In letters to affected churches, the CEC pledged to stand with them and seek a resolution.
The CEC plans to provide legal and pastoral support, calling the situation a violation of religious freedom. Secretary-General Guillem Correa emphasized, “Without a place to gather throughout the week, there is no religious freedom or community life.” He also noted that many churches are currently fasting and praying to seek God’s guidance.
While the city has proposed relocation options to most churches, the CEC hopes for tailored solutions based on each church’s specific needs. It is urging Barcelona officials to treat this as an urgent matter and respond accordingly.
Meanwhile, the city’s Religious Affairs Office stated it would work with affected churches to help them find new spaces and ensure they meet legal requirements.(Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper)
LORD, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (Jeremiah 17:13-14)
God, we lift up to You the situation in Barcelona where many evangelical churches face closure due to urban development plans and thousands of believers risk losing their places of worship. Though the city dreams of greatness without God, let its leaders realize that abandoning the LORD leads only to shame and destruction. Move their hearts to make policies that protect the church so the people may have a chance to encounter You and be saved. In this time of crisis, help the saints lift their eyes to You, praise You the source of living water, and rise as the Church of Jesus firmly holding to the truth.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
