Three pastors have been detained and questioned by state security officials who pressured them to stop their church services. CSW calls for continued prayer and solidarity as the Apostolic Movement faces ongoing persecution.
Apostolic Movement pastors detained and questioned by security agents
The Apostolic Movement in Cuba has been further harassed by the Cuban Government in the last week. Three pastors were picked up by a group of high ranking state security agents and Communist Party officials.
On Saturday 30 April, Pastors Benito Rodriguez and Barbara Guzman were held for two hours during which time they were interrogated and pressured to call a halt to their church activity. On 1 May, the head of the Office of Religious Affairs in the Provincial Ministry of Justice, Ms Etael, interrupted their church service, demanding proof of ownership of the home in which Pastor Rodriguez has lived his entire life. Following this, a third pastor, Pastor Bernardo de Quesada Salomon faced similar interrogation and threats.
Prior harassment of Apostolic Movement and affiliated churches
Pastor Omar Gude Perez, a leader in the Apostolic Movement, knows first-hand the reality of living under the threats of the Castro regime. He recently reported to CSW that the pressure on this fast-growing church network is increasing and that his is just one example of many similar stories. He is currently serving a six-and-a-half year prison sentence under conditional liberty, and together with his wife, Kenia, they face continued persecution because of their willingness to share information with international human rights groups and the media. Kenia and another pastor, Mario Alvarez, have also recently been denied permission to leave the country to attend religious conferences.
CSW's response and continued support
Andrew Johnston, CSW's Advocacy Director, responded to these recent detainments, saying "We call on the Cuban Government to cease its harassment of these men and women and to allow these churches to register and operate freely".
CSW has been working for change in Cuba for over a decade. Last month, as a result of consistent prayer and advocacy, Pastor Carlos Lamelas and his family were granted asylum in the US after years of persecution since his imprisonment in 2006. After ten years of supporting Dr Oscar Elias Biscet, he was released from prison seventeen years early just weeks ago. CSW continues to speak up on behalf of Cuban Christians.
I want to...
Pray
- For protection for Pastors Benito Rodriguez, Barbara Guzman and Bernardo de Quesada Salomon and other Apostolic Movement pastors and members.
- For God's strength and peace for other Christians who face persecution, detainment and imprisonment.
- For justice and religious freedom for all Cubans.
- For a safe and smooth transition to the United States for Pastor Carlos Lamelas and his family.
Protest
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Provide
As well as your prayers, you can practically support Cuban Christians through Freedom Gifts. For just £15, you can pay for CSW staff to have a 15 minute phone call with pastors and families suffering persecution in Cuba. These calls are a vital lifeline of encouragement and support for them, as well as providing first-hand information to CSW, underpinning our advocacy work. Find out how to buy a Freedom Gift here: http://csw.org.uk/gifts/index.php?route=product/product&path=40&product_id=67
Make a donation to support CSW's work in Cuba and around the world or call our friendly admin team on 0845 456 5464.