Christians continue to face opposition in Cuba. The government has reportedly shifted away from higher profile forms of oppression, such as threatening to destroy churches, to pressuring pastors and other Christian leaders. Church leaders -- both in and outside of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC) that represents the Protestant Church -- report receiving frequent visits from state security agents and Cuban Communist Party officials. These visits and meetings seem to have the intent of intimidating church leaders by making them aware they are under close surveillance.
In October 2010, Pastor Homero Carbonell resigned as leader of La Trinidad First Baptist Church in Santa Clara after prolonged government pressure and threats. While he hoped giving up his leadership position would alleviate the demands on the congregation, there has reportedly been no change in the government's treatment. Pastor Carbonell, a respected high-level denominational leader, has denounced the government's spurious accusations against him in an open letter. He also wrote of the Religious Affairs Office's unjust treatment of the church over the past three years. It is suspected the intensity of the government pressure on the pastor and his congregation is related to the church's refusal to expel family members of political prisoners and members of human rights or pro-democracy groups.
Pray for boldness and endurance of faith for Christians in Cuba. Ask God to give them wisdom as they minister in an environment of pressure and opposition against Christ's followers. Pray religious freedom will be truly respected in Cuba.
You can learn more about opposition facing Christians in Cuba at the Cuba Country Report.
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