Cuban Bishop Says Worst Is over
Episcopal News Service. June 27, 1985 [85147]
NEW YORK (DPS, June 27) -- The Rt. Rev. Emilio Hernandez, bishop of Cuba, believes that the greatest contribution Christians can make in his country is to live a life of witness. He expressed his opinion on this and other matters during a recent visit with the Rev. Onell Soto, editor of World Mission News, at the Episcopal Church Center.
Hernandez noted that while the mission of the Church is the same the world over -- to proclaim the Gospel -- circumstances differ. The Cuban constitution, adopted in 1976, proclaims scientific materialism as the official position of the government. This means, he said, that "As Christians, we will want to show, through our own lives, that Christianity is not an opiate, and then, as a Church, we don't want to fail in our witness to a sovereign and living God."
When asked if this amounted to a political action, he answered, "Well, if this is done to oppose the Revolution, it may amount to a political action. However, if this is done as a legitimate function in the mission of the Church, the answer should be, 'No.' In other words, there is no law which says that you cannot be a Christian in Cuba. But opposition to the Revolution under the shield of religion is a transgression under the law. Still, it must be remembered that the Cuban constitution guarantees freedom of worship."
While the activities of the Church in Cuba are restricted, Hernandez believes that individual Christians can make a difference. "It is deeds, and not words, that make the greatest impact on people. We are bound to be respected by Communists when they see our faith and steadfastness. A personal witness is of greater need and importance because now in Cuba there is no possibility of religious radio programs, evangelism campaigns or mass meetings. Besides, many Christians take part, as such, in collective-help activities promoted by the government."
Hernandez, who spent ten years as a political prisoner, indicated that relations between the Church and state are changing. "I would say that now there is a more mature relationship. For example, the Rev. Jesse Jackson's visit contributed to an encouragement of this relation. The same can be said of the visit made by Roman Catholic bishops from the United States, and even of our own Partners-in-Mission international consultation, held in Havana in November, 1984."
The Episcopal Church in Cuba began as a missionary diocese of the Episcopal Church, and became an autonomous diocese in 1966. The Partners meeting was significant, Hernandez said, because "For the first time in our history, we could count with the participation of fellow-An-glicans from other parts of the world in discussing, and planning for, our mission. This has given us much encouragement, it has strengthened our international relations and given us a deeper awareness of the fact that we belong to the great Anglican family of churches."
Recommendations of that meeting included that the Episcopal Church of Cuba, to reduce its isolation, be integrated with other dioceses in the area into an autonomous Anglican province; that help be obtained in rebuilding of some derelict churches and parish halls; that the pension fund be increased; and that more emphasis be given to the training of clergy and laity.
Hernandez reported evidence that a long period of apathy in the Cuban church is ending, and said there are now five men and three women considering the ordained ministry there. The Seminary at Matanzas, a cooperative venture with the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, now has two Episcopal students, with others set to enter soon. He notes that some of the candidates are the children of clergy, and sees this as a witness to their ministry.
Saying "There is nothing like personal contact," Hernandez spoke enthusiastically about the Cuban Church's relationship with the Episcopal dioceses in Florida, and the benefits to both parties in such contacts. "In our meetings with Episcopalian brothers and sisters in Florida, we have discovered many things that bring us together as Christians. These links are stronger than any barriers which at times may separate us."
Within Cuba itself, there is much cooperation between Christian denominations, with the Episcopal Church a leader in ecumenism -- it was one of the founders of the predecessor of the present Ecumenical Council, and the Council's offices are located in the Episcopal diocesan center. Relations with the Roman Catholic Church are also cordial.
Isolation has contributed to this cooperation, but, Hernandez feels, it has also contributed to making the churches more denominational, and he does not see the possibility of organic unity in the near future.
As for the future of the Episcopal Church in Cuba, Hernandez said, "We know as Christians that both the present and the future are in God's hand. It is not even possible to do any surmising concerning our future. Yet I would say that the worst has been left behind and that now, through the grace of God, we are moving forward with greater optimism and hope. It is our purpose, as well as our mission, to remain faithful within our possibilities, and to do our part while we trust that the Lord will always give us the grace and the power to serve him. The Episcopal Church of Cuba, already over a century old, has brought forth very good members both in Cuba and out of it. This was true in the past and this is still the case. Why should it not happen again in the future? The history of the Church is a source of inspiration to us. We know that God can do great things with us if we let his will be done."