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The growing presence of Anglican churches in deeply Catholic Spain
Spain is often regarded as one of the most Catholic countries in the world, but the nation is also home to a surprising number of Anglican and other English-speaking churches. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-soaked coasts of Málaga, Anglicanism has quietly established itself as a small yet significant presence in this predominantly Catholic country.
Catholicism in decline
Although Catholicism remains deeply embedded in Spain’s culture, its influence has waned in recent decades. In 1978, 90.5 percent of Spaniards identified as Catholic. By October 2021, however, that number had dropped to 55.4 percent, according to the CIS, Spain’s sociological research center. Among those who identify as Catholic today, fewer actively practice their faith, with many attending Mass only on major holidays like Christmas or Easter.
Despite this decline, Catholic traditions and symbols are still woven into the fabric of daily life in Spain, from the world-famous Semana Santa celebrations in Seville to street names honoring bishops, priests, and saints.
The Anglican community in Spain
It may come as a surprise to many that Madrid’s first cathedral was not Catholic but Anglican. La Catedral del Redentor, built in 1880, still stands in the Malasaña neighborhood and holds daily services under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury rather than the Pope in Rome.
Today, Anglican churches can be found across Spain, serving both Spanish congregations and expatriate communities. From Bilbao in the north to the Costa del Sol, and from Barcelona to Salamanca, Anglican services are available in cities and regions across the country, including the Canary and Balearic Islands.
The Anglican presence in Spain is largely divided into two branches: the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church, which conducts services in Spanish for local congregants, and the Church of England’s European Diocese, catering primarily to British immigrants with English-language services. Increasingly, these churches also attract Latin American migrants.
Carlos López Lozano, Spain’s senior Anglican bishop, estimates that 20,000 people are part of the Anglican community in Spain, a figure that includes Spaniards, British expatriates, and other nationalities.
A historical perspective
Anglicanism in Spain traces its roots back to the 16th-century Reformation, when a small number of Spaniards supported the Protestant movement led by Martin Luther in Germany. Though their numbers were dwarfed by the Catholic majority, Anglicanism persisted in small circles and eventually grew to include two distinct branches.
Anglicanism in Madrid
Madrid is home to five Anglican churches, including La Catedral del Redentor and the Church of San Jorge (Saint George) on Calle Núñez de Balboa. Others are located in surrounding cities like Móstoles, Alcorcón, and Navalcarnero. Despite their historical and contemporary significance, these churches remain relatively unknown to most residents of the Spanish capital.
Other English-speaking churches in Spain
In addition to Anglican churches, Spain hosts a variety of other English-speaking congregations, including evangelical, Baptist, and Pentecostal churches. Notable examples include the International Christian Assembly in Torrevieja (Alicante), the Barcelona International Church, Calahonda Baptist Church in Málaga, and Salt Church in Los Alcázares (Murcia). These churches offer multilingual services and cater to diverse expatriate communities across the country.