Cuba: Information on treatment of members of the Anglican Church

Please find attached a 1992 report that contains references to religious persons and Protestant groups in Cuba (Third World Quarterly 1992, 149). The document suggests relations between the hierarchy of Protestant groups represented by the Ecumenical Council and the Cuban government have been improving (Ibid.). The report states that prominent political leaders claim that "policies of discrimination against those with a known religious commitment are a thing of the past," adding that "those with a religious affiliation are now welcome to apply for membership of the party" (Ibid., 150). Finally, the source adds that "much more open celebrations of religious rituals and festivals are reportedly taking place, including of those African in origin" (Ibid.).

A 1991 publication of the World Council of Churches provides the following statements:

Two characteristics of Cuban Protestantism give cause for concern: the fact that it is a minority and the problem of cultural identity. The mentality of being a minority sometimes makes it go on the defensive and proselytize and safeguard the institutional church seeing these things as guarantees of continuity. There is the danger that in a moment of openness with the government it may try to consolidate the position of the institution rather than developing a vision of its own place and role in society (Batista 1991, 21).

On the other hand, the problem of cultural identity, arising from the missionary movement which had its origins in the USA, has "castrated" us cut us off from many of our cultural roots. At times we Protestants find it hard to understand and go along with what the people feel (Ibid.).

Taking all these factors along with he problem already mentioned of Marxism's failure to recognize either subjectivity or the place of religion in society, we must be mindful of the matter of manipulation or of playing off one against the other. Such practices are always present in any political context, however good the intentions may be. I believe Cuban Protestantism lives in the presence of this danger-signal (Ibid.).

In addition to the above-mentioned documents, please find attached two recent reports from Latinamerica Press on religious practice in Cuba (listed below). One of the articles states that religious practice, including mass attendance and seminary studies, has increased significantly since "officially sanctioned discrimination against believers" ended (18 June 1992). The article reports, however, that "while President Fidel Castro has ordered a halt to such discrimination, `there are still lots of people who don't think like Fidel'", adding that "there's still a problem of dogmatism in the party, especially at the grassroots" (Ibid.).

Finally, a researcher from Americas Watch indicated that, in general, Protestants have been on better terms with the government than Catholics (15 July 1992).

 References

Americas Watch, New York. 15 July 1992. Telephone Interview with Researcher.

Batista, Israel. 1991. Occasional Study Pamphlet 6. Cuba at the Crossroads. Geneva: World Council of Churches.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. 18 June 1992. Paul Jeffrey. "Cuban Church Grows, Becomes More Critical."

. 28 May 1992. Larry Luxner. "Cuba's Small Jewish Community Keeps the Faith."

Third World Quarterly [Surrey, U.K.]. 1992. Vol. 13, No. 1. Peter Cross. "Soviet Perestroika: The Cuban Effect."

Attachments

Batista, Israel. 1991. Occasional Study Pamphlet 6. Cuba at the Crossroads. Geneva: World Council of Churches, pp. 20-21.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. 18 June 1992. Paul Jeffrey. "Cuban Church Grows, Becomes More Critical."

. 28 May 1992. Larry Luxner. "Cuba's Small Jewish Community Keeps the Faith."

Third World Quarterly [Surrey, U.K.]. 1992. Vol. 13, No. 1. Peter Cross. "Soviet Perestroika: The Cuban Effect," pp. 149-150.