The following statement comes from a network of U.S. congregations partnered with churches in Cuba, several of which are also part of our Alliance of Baptists community. For decades, Alliance congregations have built deep relationships with churches in Cuba through our partnership with the Fraternity of Baptist Churches in Cuba (FIBAC), worshiping together, sharing resources, and walking alongside one another in faith. Because of these relationships, we have long advocated for policies that support the dignity and flourishing of the Cuban people. We share this plea from partner congregations as part of that ongoing commitment to faithful solidarity.
“There is a humanitarian crisis now, which will worsen. We, the US, are almost fully responsible for that crisis; we can change it.” (The Peace Advocate Feb. 2026)
We, members of faith communities across the US, call your attention to what has been described as a “moment of exceptional urgency” in Cuba. We sound this call as those who have walked with and seen the suffering of our Cuban brothers and sisters. Since the 1990s each of our churches has partnered with Cuban congregations, worshiping together, sharing faith together, and being in each others’ homes. We are not enemies. We are family. It breaks our hearts to see those dear to us, children, women and men, needlessly suffering from US policies.
For 66 years, the US economic embargo—not to mention the news blackout—has isolated Cuba from the world community and devastated the Cuban economy. Now, the recent US blockage of Cuba’s oil purchases from Venezuela and Mexico is creating a situation of catastrophic proportion. Because Cuba relies heavily on oil to produce electricity, the resulting lack of power generation affects every aspect of the Cuban people’s lives. “Across Cuba, many people are struggling to meet basic needs, including reliable access to food, clean water, electricity, transportation, and safe housing. Reduced fuel supplies have immediate consequences, contributing to blackouts, limited water access, reduced mobility, and disruptions to essential services.” (“A Call to Stand with the People of Cuba,” Alliance of Baptists https://allianceofbaptists.org/a-call-to-stand-with-the-people-of-cuba-faithful-solidarity-in-a-time-of-crisis/). Cuba is experiencing an intensifying humanitarian crisis caused by an embargo that is a breach of widely accepted international law. We can change it.
As people of faith, we believe the road to peace does not involve weapons or embargoes. Please contact your congressional representatives and ask them to stand with us as we call for an end to these harmful policies.
# # #
Endorsing congregations include (in alphabetical order):
Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham, AL; Circle of Mercy Congregation, Asheville, NC; Ecclesia Baptist Church, Asheville, NC; First Baptist Church, Asheville, NC; First Baptist Church, Jamaica Plains, MA; First Baptist Church, Sylva, NC; First Baptist Church, Washington, DC; Glendale Baptist Church, Nashville, TN; Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA; Northminster Baptist Church, Monroe, LA; Oakhurst Baptist Church; Decatur, GA; Park Road Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC; Williamsburg Baptist Church, Williamsburg, VA
Recent Comments