Solidarity with Cuba: An Interfaith Prayer Vigil
Church and Society joins IFCO/Pastors for Peace, Cuba Council of Churches, Martin Luther King Center in Havana, National Network on Cuba, United Church of Christ, Justice and Local Church Ministries, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ in prayer, reflection, and advocacy for the removal of Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list, and the cessation of the US blockade on Cuba.
- June 23, 2023
- 5:00PM Eastern Time
- United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave N.E., Washington, DC 20002)
This event is a prayerful witness to address the injustice of Cuba’s current designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and its decades-long economic embargo that has led to the suffering of the people of Cuba.
The United Methodist Church, “from its Christian and humanitarian perspective, inspired by the love of God and historic Methodist commitment to peace and social justice,” (2012 BOR #6059) has consistently advocated for the removal of the embargo, echoing sentiments expressed in resolutions approved by the General Conferences in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, which call for lifting the economic embargo against Cuba. (2016 BOR #6060)
Both the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church and IFCO, longstanding advocates for social justice, extend a warm invitation to United Methodists, faith leaders, and all those with a heart for justice to join us! Let us unite in prayer, reflection, and collective action, expressing our hopes for the Cuban people and for a more just world. Now is the time to raise our voices!
More Information
Over the past sixty years, Cuba has been subjected to a relentless economic embargo. This strain has been exacerbated since 2017 by an additional 243 sanctions and Cuba’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This label is more than just words; it’s a crippling restriction preventing the Cuban people from accessing vital resources, hindering their development, and causing substantial generational hardship. The economic punishments of countries like Cuba are encouraging people to flee to our shores and are a critical contributing factor in the current increase in asylum seekers from the region. This reality could be alleviated through changes in US policy.
The upcoming Prayer Vigil symbolizes unity in faith that calls for humanitarian relief, peace, justice,and an end to harmful policies against Cuba. We are also grateful for The Cuban Council of Churches and the Martin Luther King Center, who will be standing in prayer and witness with us at this same time from Havana, Cuba.
We hope our collective prayers and actions can light the way in these challenging times, reminding us of our capacity for compassion, understanding, and change. Stand with us in solidarity with Cuba and help create a more equitable world. Join the #MejorSinBloqueo #EndTheBlockade 🇨🇺🕊️✨
