Spain

Iglesia Evangélica Española
(The Spanish Evangelical Church)

The Iglesia Evangélica Española (IEE) is a united Protestant church in Spain that brings together Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Lutheran traditions. 

Today, it is actively involved in worship, theological education, and social justice. The IEE supports inclusive and participatory congregational life, with a strong emphasis on working with other faiths and Christian expression. It works closely with others to promote dialogue and shared service.

The Church is committed to humanitarian outreach, including support for vulnerable communities and advocacy for peace and human rights. It engages in national and international initiatives, such as solidarity campaigns and refugee support.

Its congregations are spaces of welcome and healing, particularly for those on the margins of society, and its mission is rooted in service.

The Protestant Reformation was slow to spread into Spain because of high levels of resistance. There were however Spanish Protestants in exile in many European cities.

Following the Spanish Revolution of 1868 there was a period of greater religious tolerance. It was during this time that the Spanish Christian Church formed bringing together a number of protestant expressions.

Methodism first arrived in Spain via Gibraltar in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that Methodist mission work took root, especially in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Despite early growth, Protestant churches faced heavy restrictions, particularly under Franco’s dictatorship.

In the 1955, Methodist congregations joined the Iglesia Evangélica Española. The Church gained legal recognition in 1980, and the church has since become a respected voice for faith and justice in Spain.