A cross-denominational group of Christian leaders launched an unprecedented campaign in late September to push for comprehensive protections for freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in the new constitution, which is undergoing public consultation.
Led by the Methodist Church of Cuba and Assemblies of God leaders, the church leaders encouraged Cubans to sign a petition which calls for the addition of two sections to Article 15 of the new Cuban constitution, which will allow them to freely ‘practice their faith and impact the life of the people through the Word of Christ and through all the social programs that the Christian Church is already implementing.’
The authors of the petition raised several issues with the draft constitution. They noted the removal of ‘freedom of conscience’ – a right that is closely linked to FoRB – from the previous constitution. They also expressed concern that the new constitution does not guarantee churches and other religious institutions the freedom to manifest their religion or beliefs individually and collectively, in private or in public.
New clauses?
The campaign is calling for the following clauses to be included in the new constitution:
(66) ‘The Cuban State guarantees the churches and religious institutions the freedom to manifest their religion or belief and to do so individually and collectively, in public and in private, and the right to teach and practice the corresponding worship and to independently observe their principles and faith.’
(67) ‘The Cuban Government, its bodies and authorities will abstain of interfering with the internal life of religious associations, and of creating organisations to control them.’
