Christians in Cuba must live as good citizens and live faithful lives of integrity amidst the ongoing crisis engulfing the nation, the president of the Western Cuba Baptist Convention said in a statement.
Addressing the churches within the body, Bárbaro Abel Marrero Castellanos detailed the church’s response to ongoing events as a US blockade of oil shipments to the nation continues, as reported by Christian Daily International. He also provided advice about how Christians should engage with politics and society more generally. Talks between the US and Cuba’s Communist regime, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, have not brought about a resolution.
In his statement, Castellanos set out the church’s response to such “turbulent times”, revealing that the church has remained “committed to society” throughout the increased needs of recent months.
He revealed that many churches have helped feed those in need, while medical experts and teachers within congregations have offered medical and educational assistance, helping “meet urgent physical needs” in the country.
The president affirmed the convention’s belief in the separation of church and state, but also affirmed the legitimacy of an individual desire for positive political change, and the free expression of views about political matters. He was keen to stress, however, that such expressions belong outside the church’s remit, and are matters for individuals to pursue.
Concerning the Christian’s responsibility to the state, he said: “Christians are called to be good citizens, respectful of laws – except when those laws contradict faith in Christ. Loyalty to Jesus comes first. We are called to love, to care for the needy, to preach the gospel, and to live out our faith with integrity.”
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