ICC Note: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a major Christian charity which sheds light on the persecuted Church, has published a report and requested funding in order to cease the demolition of Cuba churches. Since the beginning of 2016, at least four churches have been destroyed and over 100 more were marked for demolition last year. In spite of the Cuban government’s attempts to keep this trend hidden, international organizations and local Christians alike are calling out for protection of their religious freedom.

By Ruth Gledhill

07/12/2016 Cuba (Christian Today) – A leading Christian charity is appealing for funds to help stop the demolition of churches in Cuba.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has published moving testimony of what it was like for the pastor and his family when government officials demolished Emanuel Church in eastern Cuba.

“Marilin is dragged from her bed by the police, handcuffed, and led away while her daughters, aged 11 and 12, watch helplessly. Her husband, Alain, is at a conference in Miami. He will not know what’s happened to his wife until the next day.

“Just a few hours later, government officials proceeded to demolish the Emanuel Church building in Eastern Cuba – the church Marilin and her husband Alain lead – which is also their home. Two hundred church members were arrested to stop them protesting the demolition.”

It was not an isolated incident. Last year, more than 100 churches in Cuba were designated for demolition, and 2,000 Assemblies of God churches were declared illegal. Since the start of this year four major churches have been demolished, with many more at risk.

“The Cuban government wants to keep this a secret – but we won’t stop shining a light on what’s happening,” said the charity.

A group of around 40 were held in a local school while others were taken to police stations across the region to stop them from protesting against the demolition.

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