BBC Article on Madonna/Mana Church
An article just published today on the BBC Uk website puts together the whole Madonna/Mana’ Church story, after the Lisbon concert of the Re-Invention Tour has been confirmed. Here’s what they say.
Madonna is to play her first Portuguese concert after a double booking with a church group was resolved.
The pop star booked Lisbon’s Atlantic Pavilion from 9-13 September, with the gig due to take place on 12 September.
But Lisbon’s Mana Christian Church had also booked the venue between 8-11 September for a “convention of faith.”
The religious group refused to budge despite a cash offer from Madonna’s promoters and pleas from fans. The gig will now take place on 13 September.
Tickets will go on sale across Portugal on Thursday, said concert promoter Musica no Coracao, which changed the date after replacing the original promoter, Tournee.
Jorge Tadeu, one of the church’s founders, told Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha he was “revolted” by those who “want to exchange Jesus for Madonna”.
“In our understanding God is moving the Christian church to defeat Goliath,” he said.
“We feel the pressure from Madonna is not restricted to the Mana church, but is part of a wider battle between the devil and Christ.”
The new date for the concert has been added to Madonna’s official website.
The 45-year-old’s latest world tour, called Reinvention, began in May in Los Angeles. The Lisbon date will bring the tour to a close.
She is currently completing the North American leg before playing her first European date in Manchester on 14 August.
Source: BBC News