Religious diversity increases in Almeria

A NEW study has highlighted the cultural and religious diversity of the province of Almeria, with 103 non-Catholic places of worship attending to nine different religions registered.
The Observatory of Religious Pluralism in Spain, part of the Ministry of Justice, found that although still a long way from catching up with the 214 Catholic parishes within the province, the number of communities following other faiths was on the up.
While in 2010 a study revealed 70 places of worship spread over 19 municipalities, this year this has gone up to 103 spread over 25 municipalities.
The Muslim faith held the highest number of parishes (47 altogether) with 11 found in Almeria City, seven in El Ejido, six in Roquetas and more in Adra, La Mojonera, Nijas, Carboneras, Olula del Rio and Cuevas del Almanzora among others.
Evangelical communities had increased the most over the five-year period, from 26 in 2010 to 37 this year, while Jehovah’s Witnesses, Adventist, Mormon and Orthodox communities can also be found in the province and an Anglican community in Mojacar.
The most diverse area is still Almeria City, with six different religious communities spread over 33 centres, followed by Roquetas with five religions and 18 centres.