Adventist Church receives radio license in Spain

September 23, 2014 | Madrid, Spain | ANN staff

The Adventist Church in Spain recently received a license to operate an official radio station in Catalonia. Above, the Adventist Church’s central radio studio in Sagunto. Image courtesy Spanish Union of Churches.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain recently received a license to officially broadcast the nation’s first non-Catholic religious station, marking what Church leaders say is a significant step for religious liberty in the country.

The Association of Adventist Radio in Spain received a license for an FM station from the Council for Audiovisuals in Catalonia on September 3.

“This is a historical milestone for the Adventist Church’s history in Spain,” said Pedro Torres Martinez, Communication director for the denomination’s Spanish Union of Churches. “This also opens the door for other Christian radio stations here in this country.”

Torres said 15 news agencies reported the milestone.

The Adventist Church’s Radio Adventista began operating five stations in 1990 but has failed to receive a license for a religious and non-profit radio station.

Torres said unregistered non-profit stations in Spain aren’t necessarily illegal, and they operate until the government asks them to close. Until then, they are considered “alegal,” Torres said. During the application process, officials typically ask how long the station has operated, with a long-established station more likely to receive a license.

Today, the Adventist Church operates 21 radio stations throughout the country.

“We are very thankful to God for His providence and guidance through many years, which has afforded us to reach this point,” Torres said.