There have been improvements in religious freedom in Cuba, said Dr. Fernando Remirez, the highest-ranking Cuban diplomat in the United States.
There have been improvements in religious freedom in Cuba, said Dr. Fernando Remirez, the highest-ranking Cuban diplomat in the United States, during a March 12 visit to the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Asked about the current situation and the official position regarding religion, and freedom of belief and worship in particular, Remirez pointed to a growing religious interest in Cuba.
Remirez said that Cuba upholds the separation of church and state. “We believe in freedom of religion and worship for every citizen,” he explained. “So we are trying to do our best in that direction and have made much improvement in the past few years.” Remirez said that political developments reflect a rising interest in religion in Cuba.
Remirez also said that there had been a number of important developments that had improved the situation.
“For example, at the beginning of the 1990s, we amended the Constitution. It could have had the interpretation that it promoted an atheist state. Now it is clear that Cuba is a secular state. Also, in the previous Communist Party Congress the Articles were changed to allow religious membership as well as party membership.”
Asked about the increasing interest in religion in Cuba, Remirez noted that “Most of the growth in religious groups has been in the Protestant churches.”
Religious groups are required to register with the Office of Religious Affairs. Remirez explained the function of the office, which includes establishing a general standard throughout the country, and “to avoid the local interpretation of laws.”
“We wish to give every church the same rights, to promote equality between religions and to avoid discrimination,” he said.
“It is not a perfect situation, but it is improving,” he added.
Remirez is officially Counselor of the Cuban Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy since the United States and Cuba do not have official diplomatic relations.
Commenting on Dr. Remirez’ remarks, Dr. John Graz, secretary-general of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), said that they provided encouragement for the development of wider religious freedom and expression in Cuba. “We trust that in the fullest way possible religious freedom will be promoted in Cuba according to accepted international norms,” says Graz, who is also public affairs and religious liberty director for the Adventist Church worldwide. He also expressed hope that “the progress noted by Dr. Remirez will continue.”
“We are committed to upholding religious freedom as a fundamental human right for all,” said Graz, “and we look to further advances in this vital area.”
