Tag: Alliance of Christians of Cuba

Cuban Churches Helping Cubans Through Dire Times 

On November 20, the Alliance of Christians of Cuba issued a declaration signed by over 60 Cuban religious organizations that criticized the Cuban Government’s failure to respect human rights, especially religious freedom.[1] Now one of its members (Teo Babun, the President and CEO of Outreach Aid to the Americas, a nonprofit religious organization) has reiterated that claim.[2] Here is what he said:

  • “We are witnessing severe difficulties and strive to bring hope to the most vulnerable: the elderly, children, women, men, and family members of political prisoners who suffer the absence of their loved ones simply for exercising their rights.”
  • “Churches have long been a lifeline for the average Cuban. A midst economic collapse and natural disasters, foreign ministries have provided humanitarian aid through church networks, distributing food, medicine and even toys.”
  • Yet, their support goes beyond meeting material needs. Since 2018, the evangelical community has spearheaded initiatives opposing totalitarian policies and advocating for political prisoners. Rooted in faith, these actions have made churches targets of government reprisal.”
  • “International organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), have documented the ongoing persecution of religious leaders in Cuba. CSW reports harassment, threats, fines, and imprisonment of clergy.”
  • “Children of faith are bullied in schools, and congregations are pressured to ostracize families of political prisoners. Both registered and unregistered religious groups — representing most Cuban Protestants — operate under constant threat.”
  • “The Cuban government projects a facade of religious tolerance through state-controlled entities like the Cuban Council of Churches. Behind the scenes, the Office of Religious Affairs (ORA), an arm of the Communist Party, wields unchecked power to regulate religious organizations, restrict foreign travel and approve worship construction. This tight control suppresses independent faith groups, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized.”
  • “The ACC Declaration laments these restrictions, particularly as Christmas approaches, a time when churches traditionally mobilize to provide hope and assistance. The grim reality is clear: 89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, and over 1,000 political prisoners languish in cells, denied even the basic right to religious visits.”
  • “Cuba’s crises extend far beyond religious persecution. Economic hardship, food and medicine shortages, energy instability, and a collapsing transportation system have created a humanitarian emergency.”
  • “The Central Bank’s depleted reserves, coupled with skyrocketing inflation, have rendered basic necessities unaffordable for most families. Prolonged blackouts and failing infrastructure worsen an already dire situation.”
  • “Adding to the strain is a mass exodus of Cubans. Over the past decade, the population has declined from 11.5 million to 10 million. This loss of confidence in governance—even among officials—has left the country teetering on the brink of collapse.”
  • “Despite these challenges, there is hope. The Cuban people’s deep spiritual commitment is a testament to their resilience. While the government seeks to control faith, it cannot suppress the determination of individuals who place their belief in God above the state.”
  • “The international community must act. We call for the immediate release of political prisoners, including those jailed for their religious beliefs. Systematic reforms are necessary to restore dignity and freedom in Cuba. Faith-based organizations, international advocacy groups, and democratic nations must amplify their efforts to monitor religious freedom and support the Cuban people’s quest for justice.”
  • “As we observe Human Rights Month, let us remember Cuba’s faithful who continue to light candles of hope in the darkness. Their courage is a reminder that faith is a powerful force for change, even in the face of repression. Together, we can work toward a future where freedom of belief is not a privilege but a universal right.”

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[1]  Alliance of Christians of Cuba‘s Criticism of the Cuban Government’s Failure To Respect Human Rights and Religious Freedom, dwkcommentaries.com (Nov. 21, 2024).

[2] Babun, Churches are helping Cubans through dire times, Miami Herald (Dec. 18, 2024).

Alliance  of Christians of Cuba’s Criticism  of Regime’s Human Rights      

On November 20, the Alliance of Christians of Cuba (a group of about 60 leaders of registered and unregistered religious denominations and networks as well as leaders of independent churches on the island) issued a declaration criticizing the Cuban government’s failure to respect human rights. It asked international diplomacy and free countries to pressure the Cuban government “so that there is a bridge that allows Cuba and its citizens to live in a State where their rights as human beings are respected.“[1]

“It is no secret that our nation is facing a crisis in the political, social and economic spheres, as well as in human rights issues. As religious leaders, we are witnesses to these difficulties and we strive to provide hope to the most vulnerable: the elderly, children, women and relatives of political prisoners who suffer the absence of their loved ones for simply exercising their rights.”

“We observe with dismay that the Cuban State refuses to open spaces for the exercise of fundamental rights, such as freedom of association, which limits the churches in their capacity to provide support and social assistance to those who need it most. In addition, we have witnessed more than 40 femicides in the last year, a reflection of the serious state of violence in our society,”

“We have documented more than one million pesos collected by the Government in fines imposed on religious leaders, which represents a direct attack on freedom of worship and those who seek to help their community.”

“Those who suffer most from this critical situation in the country are women, who face the anguish of not having anything to feed their children. Those who dare to ask for help or demand some right are cruelly repressed, regardless of whether they are teenagers, elderly or have children in their arms. This repression only aggravates their suffering and further limits their chances of finding relief in the midst of the crisis.”

“The situation is even more alarming when you consider that 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty and that there has been no freedom for the more than 1,000 political prisoners currently in [detention]. We are also deeply concerned about the elderly and the chronically ill, who are especially vulnerable in this context.”

“The Alliance of Christians of Cuba was founded in November 2022 . . . Its main objective is to fight for freedom of association and worship on the island, and to work for the release of political prisoners, who currently number more than 1,000.” This Declaration was signed by 63 of its leaders.

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[1]  Alliance of Christians of Cuba: “The Cuban State refuses to open spaces for the exercise of fundamental rights,” Diario de Cuba (Nov, 21, 2024). Religious leaders call for international attention to Cuba’s targeting of religious groups, CSW Global (Nov. 21, 2024); SW Global, alliance of christians of cuba (list of articles about Christians of Cuba).