The Unamuno, Friend of Protestants Award: A Celebration of Coexistence in Jerez de la Frontera
On April 13, 2026, the historic Alcázar in Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain, served as a backdrop for a significant event: the presentation of the Unamuno, Friend of Protestants Award. This year, the prestigious accolade was bestowed upon María José García-Pelayo, the mayor of Jerez, in recognition of her commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse communities.
A Focus on Coexistence and Freedom
The award ceremony emphasized the vital themes of coexistence, freedom, and collaboration among individuals of varying beliefs. Supported by the Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE), the Unamuno Award has, for over a decade, honored individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the recognition and understanding of Protestant communities in Spain, despite not sharing the evangelical faith themselves.
Notable Attendees and Supporters
The event was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including members of García-Pelayo’s government team and representatives from various evangelical organizations. Among them were José Manuel Marín, president of the Evangelical Council of Andalusia, and Esteban Muñoz de Morales, president of the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain (FEREDE). The presence of local pastors and evangelical leaders who had advocated for García-Pelayo’s nomination underscored the strong ties between the mayor and the evangelical community.
Historical Context and Significance
The evening began with a welcome address from Pedro Tarquis, director of Areópago Protestante, the media group that includes Evangelical Focus. Following this, history professor Antonio Simoni spoke on behalf of the AEE, reflecting on its historical role in defending freedoms in Spain, particularly during times when religious liberty was under threat. Simoni’s remarks highlighted the challenges faced by evangelicals throughout history, including prejudice and repression.
Local pastor Antonio Bonilla, president of the Fraternity of Evangelical Churches of Jerez, praised García-Pelayo for her unwavering support of the evangelical community, emphasizing her sensitivity to their needs.
The Role of Media in Evangelical Advocacy
Daniel Hofkamp, director of Protestante Digital, took the stage to discuss the evolution of the Spanish news platform, which aims to provide information and opinion while remaining true to its foundational principles. This platform has become a vital resource for evangelicals and others seeking to understand the community’s perspectives.
Unamuno’s Legacy and Its Relevance Today
The evening also featured a presentation by Asun Quintana, a philologist and evangelical pastor in Madrid. She provided an overview of the life of Miguel de Unamuno, the philosopher and public figure after whom the award is named. Quintana highlighted Unamuno’s connections with evangelicals during tumultuous times, particularly his friendship with Atilano Coco, a Protestant pastor from Salamanca.
García-Pelayo’s Acceptance Speech
The highlight of the evening was García-Pelayo’s acceptance speech, where she expressed her gratitude while humbly attributing the award to the collective efforts of her supporters and the evangelical community. “I don’t deserve this award; it is deserved by all the men and women who have stood by me throughout my life, and of course by you, the evangelical community,” she stated.
For García-Pelayo, the recognition serves as a motivation to continue her political work centered on coexistence, diversity, and the common good. She acknowledged the importance of various religious sensibilities in forming social alliances and contributing to the city’s development.
A Call for Empathy and Solidarity
In her speech, the mayor commended the work of evangelical-led media projects like Protestante Digital, praising their ability to reach a global audience without compromising their principles. She emphasized that public officials should strive to serve all citizens while upholding their values, aiming to enhance the lives of those they represent.
García-Pelayo connected the award to the ongoing challenge of transforming Jerez socially and culturally, especially after the city was not selected as the European Capital of Culture. She urged attendees to reject divisive mindsets and to exemplify coexistence, empathy, and solidarity.
Institutional Recognition and Future Aspirations
The event illustrated a strong bond between local authorities and the evangelical community, reinforcing the significance of an award that champions freedom, diversity, and coexistence. The Unamuno Award has previously honored various esteemed institutions and individuals, including the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and notable Spanish cultural figures such as Antonio Muñoz Molina and Alberto Ruiz Gallardón.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was one of hope and determination, with a shared commitment to fostering a society where diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously.
