Cuba
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President Obama to make historic Cuba visit March 21-22, 2016
PC(USA) mission co-workers and partners hopeful for expanded relationships
Cuban Council of Churches' Declaration in response to the [upcoming] visit of United States’ President Barack Obama to the Republic of Cuba, on March 21 and 22, 2016.
Legislation aims to stop welfare abuse by Cuban immigrants
U.S. welfare flows to Cuba | Part 1
Cubans retire to Florida — with help from U.S. taxpayers | Part 2
Pact on U.S.-Cuba Flights Reopens Battle for Seized Property
In Talks Over Seized U.S. Property, Havana Counters With Own Claim
Time to Bring Cuba Online
The only thing keeping the country in the digital dark ages is the government’s fear of a more open society.
Special Report: Will Success Spoil Cuba’s Revival?
With relaxed travel rules, Cuban leaders wonder whether Americans will dampen their churches’ zeal.
Highlights: Cuban Citizens Sentenced for Peaceful Protest
An Impasse Over Migration Strands Cubans in Costa Rica
Growing Momentum to Repeal Cuban Embargo
The public supports ending the embargo and some in Congress are taking steps to make that happen.
On the Cigar Trail in Cuba
Prompted by thawing relations, an American cigar lover goes to Cuba to find one of the best.
United States and Cuba hold law enforcement dialogue in Washington, D.C.
Cuban Revolutionaries Hope Their Legacy Won’t Fade Away
Cuba’s island of broken dreams
Relations between Havana and Washington are improving.
But that offers little hope on the ‘Isle of Youth.’
Sprint Inks Deal With Cuba for International Wireless Roaming
In Cuba, an Abundance of Love but a Lack of Babies
Reporter's notes: Veronica Cintron on visiting Cuba
What It’s Like to Launch an Independent News Outlet in Cuba
Cuba: A nation gets connected
Cubans have embraced new WI-FI hotspots
Connections aren’t as fast as U.S. but good enough to make video
calls
Demand for Internet connections far outstrips supply
Cuba and U.S. Agree to Work Together to Protect Marine Life
Pope Francis, Arriving in Cuba, Seeks to Revive Church
Pope Celebrates First Mass in Cuba (video)
Pope Francis Careful in Navigating Cuban Politics
Obama Administration Plans to Sidestep Congress on Cuba Travel
U.S.-Cuba relations: 10 questions on the embargo, embassies and cigars
Peacemaker from Cuba is hopeful for church's future
The Marines Who Took Down the American Flag in Havana in 1961
Growing Momentum to Repeal Cuban Embargo
The public supports ending the embargo and some in Congress are taking steps to make that happen.
PC(USA) leaders applaud decision to reopen U.S. Embassy in Cuba
Re-establishing relations will be a work in progress
Marco Rubio Is Hardly a Hero in Cuba. He Likes That.
U.S. and Cuba Agree to Reopen Embassies, Officials Say—New York Times
Cuba’s Environmental Concerns Grow With Prospect of U.S. Presence—New York Times
U.S./Cuban relations thaw uplifts Cuba’s Presbyterian leader, Rev. Daniel Izquierdo Hernández, secretary general of the National Synod of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba
A Republican Case for Obama’s Cuba Policy
As ideology fades in Cuba, spirituality and popes intervene
Unseen Cuba—Amazing pix by photographer Marius Jovaisa
U.S. and Cuba Meet for Talks to Fully Restore Diplomatic Ties
Fire and Ice: Minnesotans Join Orquesta Aragón in Havana
Cuba Ready to Exchange Diplomats, Raúl Castro Says,
once it is formally removed this month from the American government’s list of states sponsoring terrorism
Raúl Castro Meets With Pope Francis at Vatican
Castro praises the pontiff for helping to broker last year’s diplomatic breakthrough between Cuba and the United States while declaring that Francis had inspired him to consider returning to the Roman Catholic Church.
To Cuba on Business
But traveling there for business is not as easy as it might appear, despite significant changes.
Cuba to be removed from U.S. list of nations that sponsor terrorism
Obama Meets Raúl Castro, Making History
U.S., Cuba hold first formal talks on human rights
Major League Baseball Exhibition Possible in Cuba Next Year
NYers enjoy first JFK-to-Havana flight since easing of travel restrictions
Feds remove 28 Cuban companies and others from terrorism list
Cuba’s Designation as a Sponsor of Terrorism Snarls Negotiations With U.S.—New York Times
U.S. is pressing Cuba to allow the opening of its embassy in Havana by April despite the Communist island's demand that it first be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism—Reuters
As Cuba Shifts Toward Capitalism, Inequality Grows More Visible
As Cuba opens the door wider to private enterprise, the gap between the haves and have-nots — and between whites and blacks — that the revolution sought to diminish is growing more evident.—New York Times
Cuba: 20 Years of Services for People in Crisis
Telefono Amigo is a non-profit initiative offering health services for individuals who face a problem and need to confront it with the help of a specialist. Its work consists in "restoring their emotional and spiritual health." The project originated within a Christian church, but it is not sectarian. "What we offer is love, born out of our Christian faith."—Havana Times
Stated Clerk honors Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba
Why Are Cubans So Special?
For almost a half century, Cubans have been the most privileged immigrants in the United States. The repeal of this Cold War relic of immigration policy is long overdue. —New York Times op ed
Fidel Castro Breaks His Silence, Shares Views on Warming of Relations
…writing in a letter that he supported a peaceful end to conflict but still distrusted American politics
U.S. Congressional Delegation to Spend 3 Days in Cuba
The trip, led by Senator Patrick Leahy, is one of the first steps to chart a new relationship with Cuba after President Obama announced he was restoring full diplomatic ties.—New York Times
U.S. Easing Decades-Old Restrictions on Travel to Cuba
Cuba and the United States: A triumph of political realism
Cuba Is Reported to Release 26 Dissidents
…some of them believed to be among 53 it had agreed to free last month as the U.S. and Cuba decided to normalize diplomatic relations.
Eyewitnesses to Change in Cuba
On the Open Road, Signs of a Changing Cuba—New York Times
Press association protests arrest of journalists, activists in Cuba
Tear down walls by building relationships, advocating for justice, and listening—Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons
Cuba Again Arrests Artist Seeking Dissidents’ Release
Tania Bruguera, an advocate of free speech in Cuba, was arrested for the third time in two days
December 2014 PC(USA) Stated Clerk lauds historic action on Cuba
After many long years, we welcome the historic steps taken by President Obama on normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been working for more than 30 years to help ease the hardships caused by the United States’ economic embargo on Cuba and to end the embargo itself.
Office of Public Witness celebrates President Obama’s work on Cuba
The announcement of momentous changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba is welcome news to all who have been working toward the normalization of relations with Cuba. The PC(USA) has been advocating for changes in policy towards Cuba for over 50 years.
Declaration of The Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba regarding the announcement of reestablishing relations between the governments of Cuba and the United States of America
We give thanks to God and joyously celebrates these agreements. Through the decades, we have been bridges for meeting and for exchanging visit between Cuban and U.S. churches; we have dedicated ourselves to contributing to the Gospel ideal of struggling for peace and justice
New York Times articles about the U.S./Cuba. normalization of relations:
Sudden U.S. Thaw Worries Cuban Dissidents
U.S. Companies Clamor to Do Business in New Cuban Market
Can Cuba Escape Poverty but Stay Healthy?
Key Takeaways as U.S. and Cuba Agree to Normalize Relations
Updates and key takeaways on the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba.
INTERACTIVE: How America’s Relationship With Cuba Will Change
Which travel and trade restrictions will be eased or eliminated.
Jeb Bush: U.S. Has Rewarded Castro Brothers' 'Heinous' Behavior
Former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida said the Cuba decision was another foreign policy mistake by President Obama.
Cruz Laments 'Very, Very Bad Deal' With Cuba
Republicans have been busy crafting new ways of expressing their views of President Obama’s move to ease relations with Cuba but the bottom line is largely the same: they don’t like it.
When J.F.K. Secretly Reached Out to Castro
A meeting just a few days before the president’s assassination.
Taking Cuba Off the Blacklist Leaves Only North Korea as Cold War Vestige
Political historians said the steps announced on Wednesday were akin to the steps taken to normalize relations with China and Vietnam.
Still Fleeing Cuba
My parents left more than 50 years ago. But the anguish remains
New York Times Poll Finds Public Support for Re-Establishing Relations with Cuba
Most Americans support normalizing trade and diplomatic relations with Cuba and consider what happens in the communist nation to be important to the interests of the United States.
The Future of the Cuban Revolution
Cuba’s Economy at a Crossroads
A change in Washington’s attitude could help tip Havana toward liberalization—Editorial Board, New York Times
October 30, 2014, New York Times
Coast Guard Rescues Cubans Off Boca Raton in New Sign of Perilous Efforts to Flee
The number of Cubans attempting to immigrate to the United States by sea has nearly doubled in the past two years
The U.S. Will Collaborate With Cuba … on Ebola
The State Department said it “welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Cuba,” which has pledged to send hundreds of doctors and nurses to treat patients in the three countries where the virus is spreading fastest. Former Cuban President Fidel Castro called on the United States to set aside its long-term differences with Havana in order to make headway on the fight against Ebola.—New York Times
Cuba’s Impressive Role on Ebola
Only Cuba and a few NGOx are offering what is most needed: medical professionals in the field.—New York Times
Religious leaders press Obama on high-level dialogue with Cuba
16 leaders—among rhem, PC(USA)'s stated xlerk—ask President Obama to take actions to improve relations between the U.S. and Cuban governments, including permitting more "people to people" travel from the U.S. to Cuba
Cuban church leaders press for normalization with U.S.
Restrictions hurt Cuban families, church-to-church relations, Cuban and U.S. religious officials tell Congress
Cuba connection: A conversation with Dean Lewis in Cuba
“I am inspired by the perseverance, vitality and faithfulness of the Cuban church”
CELAC Summit Targets Inequality
Havana, Cuba, Jan. 31, 2014. Heads of state and government at the Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) made a joint commitment to reduce poverty, hunger and inequality, and declared their region a "zone of peace." The summit, held in Havana Jan. 28-29, was attended by the heads of all Latin American and Caribbean countries except Panama, Belize and El Salvador. The meeting of 30 presidents also put an end to Cuban isolation.—Inter Press Service News Agency, IPS
October 2013 U.N. General Assembly votes against U.S. embargo for the 22nd year
Cuba consular problem in Washington may cause ripples for US diplomats in Havana
Council of Churches of Cuba partners with U.S. Rainbow Coalition PUSH emphasizing political and ecumenical cooperation, including end to ‘terrorism’ statu —Latin America and Caribbean Communication Agency
Religious leaders—including PC(USA) G.A. stated clerk—urge ‘path toward improved relations with Cuba’
As next steps the 19 leaders urged:
• direct, high-level dialogue with the Cuban government.
• removal of Cuba from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism.
• lifting of all restrictions on purposeful people-to-people travel between the United States and Cuba.
Church leaders affirm Cuban religious reforms
“Religious groups have benefited from the reforms now taking place in Cuba"
Water purification system fuels Cuban congregation’s outreach
Living Waters for the World installed a water purification system at Prince of Peace Church, and life for the people of this community changed dramatically
Led by faith, Cuban farmers create sustainable agriculture and community
Evangelism takes many forms for Cuban congregation
Human trafficking is focus of church consultation in Cuba
Cuban Presbyterian theologian Rene Castellanos dies
Matanzas seminary partners with HIV/AIDS Center to combat HIV/AIDS
Theological gathering commemorates 65th anniversary of the Evangelical Theological Seminary
Background
Presbyterian witness in Cuba began in 1890. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues the tradition of Christian support through our partner church and mission personnel. The gospel is preached in more than 40 communities across four provinces in central Cuba. Congregations also reach out to elderly persons and others particularly affected by the country’s economic problems. Through the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanza students receive preparation for ministry. Lay leaders receive training through programs around the island. There are many PC(USA) congregation and presbytery partnerships with Cuban churches and presbyteries.
Read a brief history of Cuba.
Partner churches
The Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba (IPRC)
In 1890 Evaristo P. Collazo started churches in Havana and Santa Clara. In the same year he became acquainted with a Presbyterian from the United States, Anthony T. Graybill. By 1918 the friendship of these two men had given birth to a Presbyterian Church in Cuba related to the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.’s National Mission program. The relationship with the U.S. church was so strong that until the time of the Cuban revolution in 1959 Cuba was part of the Synod of New Jersey. In 1967 the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba (IPRC) was established as an autonomous denomination.
While no diplomatic relationships between the United States and Cuba have existed for many years, the two churches have maintained a close relationship. A Mutual Mission Agreement adopted by both General Assemblies celebrates the unity of Christ, a common Reformed tradition, and the sharing in “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.” The Agreement details a commitment to sharing and exchange.
The IPRC has three presbyteries and a synod. New energy is felt all over Cuba as the Cuban people are returning to their Christian roots or are joining the Christian community for the first time.
Although the IPRC has highly trained and skilled leaders and church schoolteachers, there are too few to meet the increasing needs. Theological and Christian education are high priorities for the Cuban church. Each year a curriculum is written and sent to all churches and workshops provide training for new leaders. Throughout the years the women’s organization has given strength and vitality to the church. Women pastors are accepted and valued for their leadership and faithfulness. The church in Cuban society today has become an important place for those who are searching for meaning and spirituality. The IPRC is moving into new areas of pastoral ministry to meet the needs and concerns.
Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America (AIPRAL)
Presbytery partnerships
Presbytery of Baltimore
Presbytery of the Cascades
Presbytery of Central Florida
Presbytery of Chicago
Presbytery of Long Island
Presbytery of South Louisiana
Presbytery of Santa Fe
Presbytery of West Jersey
Cuba Mission Network
The Cuba Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies. The next Cuba Partners Network meeting will be held in New Orleans, October 14-17, 2015.
For information contact: Glen Dickson or Jo Ella Holman
2015 meeting date: October 14-17, New Orleans
Resource
The Thoughtful Christian, produced by Westminster John Knox Press, is a web-based curriculum series on contemporary issues, Bible and theology, Christian living and more. Included is “Understanding Cuba” (two sessions). The studies cost $5 per session.
Learn more about Cuba
Visit the BBC country profile.
