With a message of hope, dialogue, and solidarity, a high-level international ecumenical delegation that had been visiting Cuba since 28 March concluded its agenda on the island on the morning of 31 March with a press conference held at the International Press Center in Havana.
At the press conference, Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, stated that, contrary to certain international perceptions, “the delegation found that Cuba does not constitute a threat but rather represents a benefit to many countries.” He recalled that Cuba’s international solidarity, especially in the field of healthcare, has had a positive impact on numerous nations, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the well-being of other peoples.
Besides Peacock, the panel was also composed by; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches; Bishop Anthony Poggo, general secretary of the Anglican Communion; and Rev. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto, general secretary of the World Methodist Council.
The delegation shared their main impressions after several days of exchanges with local churches, pastors, and ecumenical leaders – spaces that provided them with firsthand insight into the lives of Christian communities and the challenges currently facing the Cuban people.
Pillay emphasized that one of the central goals of the visit was precisely “to see the Cuban reality with their own eyes” – a goal he said was fully achieved. “We are now returning to our countries with the responsibility of sharing this reality with churches and international organizations, bringing to the world the testimony of a people who, even amid great difficulties, keep faith and hope alive,” he said.
The representatives stated that they were able to directly observe the complex reality the country is facing and noted that the current crisis is largely shaped by the impact of the economic embargo imposed by the United States, as well as by economic and energy pressures affecting the daily lives of families.
In response to questions about religious freedom, Poggo stated that the delegation experienced an environment of openness and full participation in the country’s church life. He highlighted that members of the group preached, prayed, and shared in various Palm Sunday services without facing limitations, which he considered evidence of existing religious freedom and the spirit of fellowship among churches and Christian communities in Cuba.
Neto underscored the need to continue promoting dialogue and peace as essential means for resolving conflicts between Cuba and the United States. He stated that churches around the world will support all efforts aimed at building bridges of understanding, convinced that only through respectful dialogue can lasting solutions be achieved.
The ecumenical leaders also stressed that this support for Cuba is not new. They recalled that many church and ecumenical organizations have been working in emergency situations in the country in coordination with Cuban churches and have raised awareness in various international forums about the effects of the embargo.
