• March 28, 2024

US commercial flight to Cuba took off as wave of repression hits Christians

Cuban ChristiansWhen the International Christian Concern (ICC) learned that the first commercial flight in 50 years took off on August 31, 2016 from Fort Lauderdale, FL., the news come after recent reports of Cuba’s severe crackdown on Christian churches throughout the island.

On August 16, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW-UK) reported that the Cuban government has begun the process of confiscating approximately 1,400 churches, with nearly 100 listed for demolition. CSW-UK has previously reported on the actions of the Cuban government against churches, particularly highlighting instances where church property (pews, chairs, audio and musical equipment) have been arbitrarily seized by government authorities.

In February, CSW-UK reported on the confiscation of Emmanuel Church, in eastern Cuba. The church was ransacked and subsequently demolished when its senior leader, Reverend Alain Toledano, was in the United States attending a religious event.

Toledano’s family indicated that this was not the first time the government had attempted to infiltrate the church. Reverend Toledano’s home was also destroyed while nearly 200 church leaders and members were detained. Toledano’s experience is one of countless cases that exemplify the recent repression against Christians in the country.

In March, another CSW-UK report focused on the plight of the Ladies in White, a group of women (mainly wives of political prisoners) that attend Mass on Sundays and march down the streets dressed in white as a symbol of peace. The women are targets of harassment and brutality. Many of their members are regularly arrested and dragged away by police while on their way to Mass.

Rafael Cardona, ICC’s Latin America Correspondent, stated, “It appears that since rapprochement began between the United States and Cuba, human rights violations have been increasing. Following President Obama’s visit to the island in March, a wave of repression has hit Christians, churches, and communities with greater force. The constant threat of confiscation and potential closure is a disheartening and ominous signal from the authorities.”

“Pastors and families suffer greatly when their place of worship is demolished and their property is destroyed. ICC appeals to the Cuban government to change its course and adopt measures to promote and protect the right of its citizens to complete religious freedom. We urge the United States government to apply pressure on Cuban authorities to halt their repressive policies against churches. We also call on the United States foreign delegation to prioritize human rights and religious freedom as central issues in any dialogue or negotiation with the Cuban government. ICC continues to pray for the afflicted and those suffering as a result of this wave of repression.”

According to NBC News, Jet Blue Airways will be the inaugural airline for commercial flights, followed by American Airlines, who will commence air service starting September 7.

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