CUBA COMMITMENT
Cuban Catholic Church challenges Castro
The call came
from the Cuban Conference of Bishops in a letter seemingly written to the
faithful, outlining its “theological and pastoral teachings.” Delving into the
political realm, however, the document censured the country’s communist
government for its harsh treatment of political opponents and repression of
private enterprise. Even
official sources admit that 25 percent of all small licensed businesses in Cuba
have closed over the past decade.
According to the cardinal, that leads to “economic desperation”, which,
in turn, sends people searching for a better life off the island. In Monday’s letter, Catholic leaders
again stressed two key demands — to be allowed to open private schools and
broadcast television and radio programs over state-controlled airwaves. After the 1959 revolution, the Castro
government shut down more than 150 Catholic schools across the island. Politics and religion aside, the bishops
seemed to have struck the strongest chord with their call for economic
freedom. They criticized the government
for lapsing on the economic reforms begun a decade ago, arguing that the state
penalizes the country’s small businesses by excessive taxes, fines and denials
of work permits. Though the Catholic
Church is not worried about the souls of men, their article has been
heard. The government released “some”
tensions in the Western half of the island.
These releases have allowed the Catholic dieses to increase construction
and outreach to 3 per local assembly.
This is a matter of prayer – brethren!
The Catholic Church is able to do these things because of the political
squeeze placed on the government.
Please pray for our brethren in Cuba that we have contacted that they
also will have availability to continue their ministries with more freedoms. Remember that our focus is for the fall
of Cuba’s government so that we can reach those waiting more
effectively. But also continue to pray for
those that are ministering now.
In HIS Service,
Travis A. Jones
Travis A. Jones
Metropolitan Baptist Church
6051 Azle Ave.
Ft Worth, TX 76135
www.metrobc.org