Fifty-two years ago, the House of Bishops removed the Episcopal Church in Cuba from the American Church. This precipitous action was done in a climate of fear. Those were the days following the Cuban missile crises. There was an inability to distinguish a church, which had been established by the US in Cuba in 1901, from the communist government. Since then, the church has continued to operate in isolation but has been faithful to the loving, liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ, working under conditions that are hard for us to imagine.
Being a priest in Cuba meant giving up what few privileges existed. Until the visit of Pope John Paul II, just holding on to the Christian faith meant being ostracized from society. They share the love of Jesus without the resources we would consider necessary to be a church. And they persevered.
For those of us who live in the US, who take our faith so lightly, the church in Cuba has much to teach us.
Today, the House of Deputies concurring with the House of Bishops, the Church in Cuba was welcomed home. It was an unanimous action in both houses.
It was an emotional time in both houses (I’m not crying – you’re crying). The Cuban deputation, lead by Bishop Griselda, came to the podium waving both the American flag and the flag of Cuba. A week ago, it seemed that this moment would not come, as there were obstacles to surmount from Constitution and Canons. Between yesterday and today, all obstacles were removed. Both houses sang the Doxology in thanksgiving for this homecoming. Cuba Si. Gracias. Bienvenido.
Cynthia Taylor+
Clergy Deputy and member of the Committee on the Episcopal Church in Cuba
