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Church World Service Decries Bush's Approval of Cuba Report and Aid Restrictions Today

July 10, 2006

"We Don't Intend To Let This Rest,”" Says Agency Head

International Ecumenical Groups Echo Protest

NEW YORK -- Humanitarian agency Church World Service has voiced deep displeasure at President Bush's approval today of the report issued by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Cuban-American Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, co-chairs of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba.

Church World Service says the report if adhered to severely restricts humanitarian aid to Cuba and the exercise of religious freedom.

The commission's report calls for cessation of licensing for humanitarian agencies to dispense aid to Cuba through organizations the U.S. considers linked to the Cuban government. The report specifically names the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC).

The Cuban Council of Churches is established by the traditional Protestant churches of Cuba as their national council of churches and is regarded as such by churches and ecumenical councils throughout the world.

Church World Service considers the Cuban Council of Churches an ecumenical partner and has channeled millions of dollars in aid through the council since before the Castro regime.

The Commission report language suggests that agricultural and medical commodities will be allowed, though Church World Service regards this as by no means certain. Other humanitarian items, such as blankets, school kits, and sewing supplies, and any other non-food and medicine aid will certainly be off-limits through the Cuban Council of Churches. Restricting this aid amid predictions for one of the worst hurricane seasons ever is unwise and inhumane, according to CWS leaders.

Following the press conference at which Rice and Gutierrez officially announced the report, Church World Service Executive Rev. John L. McCullough said, "I will now be looking at our next course of action. We don't intend to let this rest at this point unless we have no recourse."

McCullough, Church World Service and its constituents are stating that the administration's policy, which also tightens visits to Cuba by certain ecumenical groups, academic groups and others, also flies in the face of religious freedom.

"Virtually every other country -- including the U.S.' two nearest neighbors and NAFTA partners, Canada and Mexico -- maintain normal relations with Cuba and do not place impediments in the way of church relationships," McCullough said. "Only the U.S. pursues this misguided policy. Insofar as claims of 'U.S. leadership' go," he said, "one cannot claim to lead where others will not follow."

Today, the World Council of Churches and Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI), as members of the world ecumenical family, echoed the plea for protection of aid and travel permissions voiced by Church World Service and the National Council of Churches USA.

The Bush administration's thrust, as detailed in the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba report, is aimed at accelerating Cuba's post-Castro transition to adopting democracy. The report calls for an $80 million program to bolster that transition.

Anticipating that the commission report's resulting restrictions might be approved by Bush, Church World Service had enlisted ecumenical and church bodies worldwide as well as its own constituents to urge Secretary Rice and the President to lessen, not tighten, restrictions on aid provisions and travel to Cuba.

In response, World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia told President Bush in a letter to today, "We strongly feel that it is completely inappropriate for the US Government, or any government, to determine who is and who is not a legitimate national council of churches, and to restrict or deny Christian fellowship and humanitarian assistance to any particular national church council, including the Cuban Council of Churches."

Responding to the administration's announcement, the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) said in a letter to the White House, "The USA government has for many years tried to address the Cuban situation from positions of isolation and tightening of regulations," and asked, "Is it not a time for dialogue and reconciliation without neglecting the principles of justice?"

"Before the Commerce Department actually changes its licensing guidelines on aid to Cuba, Church World Service will call on all Americans who cherish religious freedom to speak out against the implementation of this recommendation," said CWS's McCullough.

McCullough said, "CWS also hopes that our allies in Congress will help us prevent this policy from being implemented." Church World Service is also looking into the possibility of a lawsuit.

As of today's administration announcement, McCullough says, "We've distributed action alerts nationwide to our constituents and urged our member denominations to keep focus on the religious freedom issues at stake here by the administration's limiting the way faith-based organizations may carry out their mission with like partners in Cuba. Or elsewhere."

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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