22Cuba

Anything deemed to be in competition with the Communist Party of Cuba is squeezed, and this includes the Christian faith. Church leaders or believers who speak out against human injustice or political corruption – or who dare to criticise the regime – risk interrogation, arrest, smear campaigns and even prison sentences.

Because churches require registration to be legal, the government can deny the registration or simply ignore the application of some religious groups, forcing these churches to operate illegally. This gives the government an excuse to shut them down whenever they please. In these cases, the government then imposes penalties on churches, including fines, the demolition of buildings, church closure and the confiscation of property.

Churches permitted to register with the government do so under extreme scrutiny and monitoring. All churches are monitored in Cuba and may be infiltrated by citizens sympathetic to the regime and/or State security agents.

Meet Pastor Angel

“After these 40 years in the ministry, I’ve learned that we must face life’s trials and tribulations with courage and trust in God.”

Pastor Angel (name changed), a church leader in Cuba.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in Cuba.