Ramadan prayers at Catholic religious site in Granada spark outrage

A MUSLIM prayer gathering at the site of a Virgin Mary statue, sanctioned by the Town Hall in Granada, has sparked outrage among residents and politicians. There have been calls for Catholics to respond with a night of prayer at the same spot.

The controversial gathering took place on Saturday evening, when Muslims prayed in the Jardines del Triunfo park before breaking their Ramadan fast.

The event was sanctioned by the Town Hall and welcomed by mayor Francisco Cuenca as an act promoting Granada as a “city of co-existence and tolerance.” It was promoted with signs saying “Come and know Ramadan”.

But others took issue with the chosen location calling it a “demonstration of clumsiness” by the government which insulted the feelings of Granadians, because Jardines del Triunfo is the site of a Virgin Mary statue which is cherished by Catholics in the city.

Politician Manuel Olivares took to Facebook to call the city’s decision “regrettable,” as well as “incomprehensible” and “disrespectful.” Although his Facebook post has apparently now been deleted.

And councillor Luis Salvador posted on Twitter,”Mr. Paco Cuenca confuses tolerance and religious respect with provocation. Call for Muslim Prayers at the Virgin of Triumph??”

However, the PSOE councillor, Jemi Sanchez, defended the event writing on Facebook, “Multiculturalism can never be a threat, it is an added value.

“For the first time, the city of Granada supports its Muslim community wishing them a happy Ramadan in the Gardens of Triumph.”

El señor @PacoCuenca confunde tolerancia y respeto religioso con provocación. Convocar rezos musulmanes en la Virgen del Triunfo?? ????????? pic.twitter.com/bxKDYGbhqe

— Luis Salvador (@LuisSalvador) June 11, 2017