# Lula religious leadership and church reform controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lula-religious-leadership-and-church-reform-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-19T15:18:05.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Protestant and evangelical leaders to discuss religious freedom, the relationship between faith and democracy, and the role of women in religious leadership. During these discussions, Lula suggested that the Catholic Church might face difficulties if it does not reconsider clerical celibacy and expand the role of women in leadership positions, such as the priesthood. These remarks sparked significant controversy and criticism from Catholic officials. Bishop Dom Devair Araújo da Fonseca condemned the comments as an attempt at “external interference in the Church’s internal decisions,” while the Catholic Parliamentary Front in the Chamber of Deputies issued a formal note defending the legitimacy of celibacy and calling for respect for the autonomy of faith communities. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: Lula sparks controversy with remarks on Catholic Church celibacy President Lula da Silva faces backlash from Catholic leaders and lawmakers after suggesting the Church's adherence to celibacy and male-only priesthood hinders its growth compared to evangelical denominations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lula-sparks-controversy-with-remarks-on-catholic-church-celibacy ### 2026-09-16: President Lula meets religious leaders to discuss church reforms and political support President Lula met with religious leaders to discuss democracy and religious freedom, suggesting the Catholic Church must reform celibacy and female leadership to remain competitive with growing evangelicalism. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lula-meets-with-religious-leaders-and-rejects-political-rallies-in-churches --- Cite as: Lula religious leadership and church reform controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lula-religious-leadership-and-church-reform-controversy