A high-level international ecumenical delegation has concluded a four-day solidarity and pastoral visit to Cuba, on 28-31 March 2026. The visit at the beginning of holy week expressed the support and compassionate care for Christians and all people in Cuba: “If one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it” (1Corinthians 12:26).

The WCC, the WCRC, and numerous other international church partners have over many years repeatedly expressed their concerns regarding the grave humanitarian and human rights impacts of the unilateral economic embargo imposed on Cuba by the USA for more than six and a half decades, in violation of numerous UN General Assembly resolutions calling for it to be lifted.

The solidarity visit was undertaken at a time of greatly increased humanitarian suffering and economic pressure due to the almost complete fuel blockade imposed on Cuba by the Executive Order issued by the US President on 29 January 2026. Days before the visit, the United Nations reported that dwindling energy reserves were creating “acute humanitarian risks,” as 90% of essential services in the nation rely on oil. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that severe fuel shortages meant that Cuban hospitals were struggling to maintain emergency and intensive care services. The most vulnerable people include 5 million people living with chronic illnesses whose treatments are at risk of disruption and 1 million people who rely on tanker trucks for drinking water.

The delegation sought to convey the solidarity of the global ecumenical fellowship with the churches and people of Cuba suffering these impacts. The programme of the visit included meetings with church leaders, the Cuban Council of Churches, government officials, and local communities. Discussions focused on the humanitarian situation, the role of churches in accompanying vulnerable communities, and the need for policies that prioritize human dignity. The delegation visited the National Institute of Oncology in Havana – which corroborated the concerns expressed by WHO –  and participated in ecumenical gatherings, a special ecumenical service, and Palm Sunday worship services across the city. The Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez received the delegation members on 30 March.

Throughout the visit, delegation members witnessed and heard painful testimonies of the suffering of the Cuban people in this situation. Added to the economic and humanitarian challenges, the Cuban people live under the threat of possible US military invasion. They expressed in very certain terms their desire to resolve issues through dialogue, peaceful and diplomatic means instead of military action, a position affirmed very strongly by the Cuban government. The delegation members were deeply inspired by the resilience, courage and hope amongst the people despite their challenging times.  

At the conclusion of this visit, discussions with the Cuban Council of Churches have begun on the possibility of convening an international ecumenical forum, to strengthen solidarity among churches of the world with the Cuban churches and people, and to raise awareness on the international stage of the cruelty and injustice of the indiscriminate collective punishment inflicted on them.

The delegation left Cuba inspired with renewed commitment to continue supporting the Cuban people and churches, convinced that hope, faith, and cooperation between peoples remain possible paths to face the challenges of the present crisis moment, and deeply affirms that dialogue is the way to establishing peace and resolving international disputes and concerns. The delegation members call on the US government to choose the path of peaceful dialogue rather than threatening military confrontation.: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches

Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock
General secretary
World Communion of Reformed Churches

Rt Rev. Anthony Poggo
Secretary-general
The Anglican Communion

Rev. Dr. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto
General secretary
World Methodist Council

Rev. Jihyun Oh
Stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Executive director of Presbyterian Life & Witness

Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins
Director of advocacy in the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Rev. Michael Blair
General secretary
The United Church of Canada