We believe in the fundamental separation of church and state, while deeply valuing the rich ethical and social contributions of faith to our society. Religion, at its best, provides not only spiritual guidance but also a moral framework, a community of belonging, and a platform for service that complements and strengthens the broader civic fabric. In Cuba, as in many societies, faith communities have historically been among the most resilient and trusted institutions in public life.
All religious institutions are essential pillars of a vibrant and strong civil society. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities provide services, build relationships, and maintain spaces of gathering and reflection that exist independently of the state. In contexts where other forms of civic life are restricted, religious institutions often become the last refuge of independent community life — and their protection is therefore inseparable from the protection of civil society as a whole.
Given its history, depth, and institutional capacity, we recognize that the Cuban Catholic Church plays a unique and crucial role in the nation’s delicate processes. With a presence that predates the revolution and a network that reaches into every corner of Cuban society, the Catholic Church has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to serve as a space for dialogue, reconciliation, and humanitarian action. Its moral authority and organizational reach make it an indispensable actor in any meaningful process of national transformation.
Its position within society, grounded in its ethics and values, helps shape the dialogue about Cuba’s future and facilitates the essential spaces where such dialogue can occur. The Church has historically served as a bridge between the government and civil society, between the island and the diaspora, and between Cubans of different political persuasions. That bridging role is more valuable today than ever, as Cuba navigates an increasingly complex and urgent moment in its history.
While we value our cooperation with the Cuban Catholic Church, the Cuba Study Group remains non-partisan and unaffiliated with any religious institution or denomination. We engage with faith communities as partners in the shared project of building a freer, more just Cuba — not as extensions of any particular religious agenda. Our commitment is to the Cuban people as a whole, across all traditions and beliefs.
We also recognize the growing diversity of religious life in Cuba, where evangelical, Afro-Cuban, and other faith traditions play an increasingly significant role in community life. We are committed to engaging with this full spectrum of religious expression, understanding that the moral and spiritual resources of the Cuban people — in all their diversity — will be essential to the healing and transformation that lies ahead.