An attempt by the Cuban government to stop a large Christian gathering ended with an impressive public worship service. Hundreds of Christians had gathered in Santiago de Cuba for a large-scale worship service when it was abruptly shut down by the Communist Party. But those present wouldn’t be stopped. Hundreds of believers began singing hymns and professing their faith right there in the street.
Gathering silenced
“Several churches rented the Tropicana Santiago venue to hold a large-scale religious service at the end of September,” independent Cuban journalist Yosmany Mayeta reports. “The event had begun, but the venue’s management received orders from the Party to stop it. Agents from the State Security Service were present. Without giving any explanation, they shut down the event. However, those present did not allow themselves to be deterred. Hundreds of believers began singing hymns and creeds in the street. They turned the censorship into a public revival meeting,” said Mayeta.
What was intended as a closed gathering for 900 participants grew into a spontaneous open-air celebration with around 3,000 people.”
Pastor Jorge Luis Pérez of the Rehoboth movement confirms: ” The government is very afraid of gatherings and demonstrations. When the government saw the size of the crowd, they decided to end the event. But the worship continued outside. It became an open demonstration of faith, despite the censorship”. Despite repeated requests from the organising churches, the Cuban government did not give a reason for the cancellation. “We are used to this kind of oppression,” says Pérez.
According to Baptist pastor Mario Félix Lleonart, this incident demonstrates that Cuba is a country where religious freedom is systematically violated. “But this time,” he notes, “it became a powerful testimony. What was intended to be a private meeting for 900 people turned into a spontaneous open-air celebration attended by around 3,000 people.”
Fear of losing power
Since 1959, Cuba has been ruled by a single party: the Communist Party. Every Cuban is required to learn Marxist ideology. For fear of losing power, the communist regime cracks down hard on dissenters and influential institutions. Christians who criticise the government are seen as a threat and persecuted as a result.
When the state considers preaching to be contrary to communist ideology, the church is opposed on all sides. Christian activists or church leaders who raise political issues may be arrested, imprisoned or subjected to intimidation and obstruction. Sometimes, a Christian who opposes the government is forced to move to another part of the country, which results in family members living apart for long periods of time.
We are used to this kind of oppression”
The government is doing everything it can to control and limit the influence and growth of the church. New churches find it difficult to register. This forces many believers to meet illegally in unregistered house churches.
Six months ago, the Alliance of Christians in Cuba (ACC) urged international organisations and democratic governments to pressure the regime into ending its intimidation tactics and violations of religious freedom. The ACC is calling on the government to legally recognise churches and religious movements on the island, allowing them to function freely.
Cuba ranks 26th on the World Watch List.
