During the visit, the ecumenical leaders confirmed that alliances will be established with religious organisations worldwide as a show of solidarity towards Cuba.
«Cuba does not represent a threat to any country, especially to the United States. The accusations have no justification whatsoever,» said the Reverend Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, at a press conference.
Convinced that the largest island in the Antilles «is not the enemy» and that there is a willingness to establish respectful dialogues, several leaders of international ecumenical organisations, who are making a pastoral visit to Cuba in the context of Holy Week celebrations, witnessed the consequences of the economic, financial and oil blockade: «We have witnessed the Cuban reality and how much work is being done. And we are aware of the deep roots that have led to the situation the people face today,» he stated.
At the meeting, it emerged that, as a show of solidarity between nations, the leaders are here «to tell the world what is happening. To speak out against imperial powers.»
For that reason, Rev. Jerry Pillay specified, an ecumenical forum for Cuba will be established, alliances with religious organisations worldwide, and it is also planned to work together with the Council of Cuban Churches to continue the process of accompaniment, «both for the people and for the church.»
For his part, Bishop Anthony Poggo, General Secretary of the Anglican Communion, added that after visiting different faith communities and different churches in the city, «we will continue to encourage dialogue, because we seek to create a world in which there is peace and dignity for all.»
He highlighted the Island’s role in helping the world in areas related to education and health, «especially in Africa.»
Regarding accusations of there being no religious freedom in the country, Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, stated that such accusations seek to instil fear, «when the nature of religion is to connect with things that do not necessarily correspond, to establish balance and achieve reconciliation. And Cuban churches also play that role. Therefore, Cuba is not a threat; it is a benefit to the whole world.»
In conclusion, the Reverend Dr Philip Peacock, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, specified that «we hold the people of Cuba in our prayers and in our hearts, and that is why we will continue to participate together.
We hope that our visit will also bring encouragement as well as hope, because we believe that peace comes through dialogue and not violence. And part of the challenge will be to confront that narrative that tries to make Cuba out to be a threat.»
