Faithful Cuban churchgoers criticize the absence of recognized legal status for more than eighty percent of houses of worship within the nation.

Cuban Christians Denounce the Adverse Conditions Facing Religious Freedom

Recently, the Alliance of Christians in Cuba (ACC) gathered in Camaguéy and issued a damning condemnation of the prevailing crisis in the nation. The statement, which carries the signatures of 63 ACC members and the endorsement of local pastors, points to data from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights indicating that an astounding 89% of families are grappling with extreme destitution.

The ACC strongly asserted that "this dire situation adversely affects and burdens millions of people" and is accompanied by a disturbing rise in criminal activity, sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and corruption.

"It's saddening that there seems to be no concrete government plan to enhance the living conditions of our people," the ACC noted, further stating that the crisis transcends mere economic woes and also involves an escalating repressive crackdown.

According to Cuban Christians, 762 individuals are currently imprisoned due to political or ideological reasons, representing the most glaring evidence of the rampant injustice unfolding. They also expressed grave concerns over the increasing violence in their communities, characterized by burglaries, homicides, murders of women, sex work, substance abuse, and corruption.

"Amidst this context, our churches and pastors are needed more than ever. Regrettably, religious freedom continues to face serious limitations in stark contrast to the Cuban state's proclaimed secular character," the ACC stressed.

Official recognition is a prerequisite for churches in Cuba to be legally operating, yet over 80% of local churches, denominations, and ministries remain unrecognized. As a result, they lack "the right to legal status." Moreover, they have reported instances of property confiscation, places of worship demolitions, threats, and obstacles for pastors to offer comfort and support to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, prisons, schools, universities, sports teams, and the military.

In 2024, the ACC documented 996 "repressive acts against religious leaders," with no changes observed in the monthly percentage so far in 2025.

Cuban Christians are urging international organizations and democratic governments to pressure the Cuban authorities to halting the harassment and restrictions on religious freedom in the country. Their motivation is not self-serving, but rather for the welfare of the Cuban people, who they believe need "the pastoral, prophetic, and social work" of their churches.

Beyond the Religious Community

The current state of religious freedom in Cuba is marked by ongoing government repression and restriction, as exposed by international human rights organizations. A recent report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), published on May 29, 2025, reveals that the Cuban government has continued a systematic crackdown on freedom of religion or belief, particularly targeting unregistered religious groups.

Overview of Religious Freedom Constraints

Legal Status of Churches: Unregistered churches make up over 80% of the churches in Cuba, which is required to register with the Office of Religious Affairs (ORA) under the Ministry of Justice. Churches that cannot register operate illegally.
Government Actions: The government monitors religious activities, harasses religious leaders operating outside state-sanctioned channels, and executes arbitrary detentions, intrusive surveillance, interrogations, threats, fines, property confiscation, and shutting down churches.
Community Pressure: Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) officials, with the support of neighbors, have organized public "accountability assemblies" in front of pastors’ homes to discourage attendance at unregistered churches and accuse them of being counter-revolutionary.
Violations: CSW has reported 1,894 specific violations of freedom of religion or belief across 624 cases in 2024 (other sources cite 1,988 violations in 624 cases due to ongoing updates or differing criteria).

Broader Political Conflict

Political and Conscience Prisoners: The number of political prisoners in Cuba is uncertain, but independent organizations consistently document hundreds of such cases.
Legal Framework: The Cuban legal system criminalizes organized opposition and public dissent, making it difficult for civil society, including religious groups, to operate independently.
Public Expression: Religious leaders speaking publicly about social or political issues are at risk of arrest, interrogation, and threats.

Summary

| Condition | Current State (2024-2025) ||------------------|--------------------------|| Legal status of churches | Over 80% unregistered, illegal || Religious persecution documented | 624 cases, 1,894-1,988 violations (2024) || Government surveillance and harassment | Widespread, through CDR, police, informants || Political/conscience prisoners | Uncertain, up to hundreds in prison |

Conclusion

Religious freedom in Cuba is severely curtailed, as the vast majority of churches operate illegally and face ongoing government persecution. The political crisis is entangled with these restrictions, as the Cuban authorities repress religious groups and opposition, leading to a climate of fear and a significant number of political and conscience prisoners.

"The Cuban Christians' urgent call to international organizations and democratic governments revolves around pressuring the Cuban authorities to halt the harassment and restrictions on religious freedom. This plea is rooted in the belief that the Cuban people need the pastoral, prophetic, and social work of their churches, which are currently facing legal and administrative barriers."

"The broader political conflict in Cuba encompasses the severe curtailment of religious freedom, as highlighted by the widespread persecution of unregistered churches, the presence of political and conscience prisoners, and the implementation of a legal framework that criminalizes public dissent."