Controversy Surrounds Father Guilherme: Priest or DJ Star in Beirut?
Father Guilherme, a Portuguese Catholic priest, has ignited significant controversy in Lebanon following a performance at the AHM Club in Beirut. His show featured a mix of electronic music and religious symbols while he donned his priestly attire, leading to divided opinions among the Lebanese public, particularly among Christians on social media.
* Calls to Cancel the Show... and a Judge's Ruling
In the days leading up to the event, several Lebanese, including fellow priests, filed a request with a judge in Beirut to cancel the performance, arguing that merging the priesthood with loud music was inappropriate.
However, Judge Amani Marachli dismissed the request, stating that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to represent an official religious entity.
* A Broad Debate: Criticism and Support
The 51-year-old priest has faced harsh criticism from some Lebanese for his role as a DJ and the way he integrates techno music with Christian symbols in his performances.
Conversely, others have defended his approach, viewing it as an innovative means to engage young people and convey religious messages in a contemporary format.
* Global Popularity and Major Events
Since early 2020, Father Guilherme has gained international recognition for his unique performances, combining electronic music with religious attire and symbols.
He has held large concerts, the most notable being at the World Youth Day in Lisbon, where he performed before an audience exceeding one million people in the presence of the Pope.
As he continues to evoke strong reactions, from those who see him as a symbol of renewal to those who believe he crosses religious boundaries, Father Guilherme remains a topic of significant discussion among both Lebanese citizens and the global community, making each of his appearances a widely covered event in media and social platforms.
