Cuba’s Crackdown—622 Religious Freedom Violations in 2023

PRAY WITH US about Cuba’s crackdown: Father God, we exalt You as sovereign over the nations. And one day You will put all Your enemies under Christ’s feet. But we see Cuba continue to kick against Your goads. The more good Your people seek to do there in Your name, the more the government does them evil in return.

So show Your overcoming power to sustain Your people. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on Cuba in greater and greater measure. Let the Spirit of the Lord come on Your people to preach the gospel to the poor. And to proclaim freedom to the religious and political prisoners. Show that Your churches are not only legitimate but essential. Let a move of God spread to those in government so they will abandon their ungodly doctrine and ways. And raise up a leadership that will prepare the way for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAYER ALERT: Cuba’s Crackdown—622 Religious Freedom Violations in 2023

Three years after Cubans took to the streets in protests, Cuba keeps cracking down on religious freedom. The 622 violations in 2023 almost matched the 657 in 2022, the first full year after the protests. During the July 2021 protests, thousands expressed frustration with shortages of basics like food & medicine.

Cuba’s crackdown has targeted religious groups and leaders with surveillance, interrogation and threats. Those seeking to remedy food and medicine shortages with humanitarian aid faced extra repression. CSW says they “were harassed, fined, and, in many cases, saw the aid they were attempting to distribute confiscated.”

Like Belize & other nations, Cuba requires that churches register with the government to operate legally. But if Cuba’s government ignores their applications, they risk closure or fines if they continue to operate. And once they register, they still face surveillance and even infiltration by government agents…

Photo by Harry Shelton on Unsplash

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