Regarding the U.S. Relationship With Cuba
Resolution text
Resolved, That The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, June 10 - 13, 2019, having considered recent changes to the U.S. policies regarding Cuba, expresses deep concern that additional restrictions on remittances and travel and recent efforts to marginalize Cuba will cause U.S. – Cuba relations to deteriorate further; and be it further
Resolved, In July, 2018, General Convention voted to re-admit the Episcopal Church of Cuba as a diocese of The Episcopal Church. This action is an important link in rebuilding relationships that were severed more than 50 years ago. The Episcopal Church has long called for an end to provisions that hamper the mission of the Church in Cuba and that contribute to the suffering of the Cuban people. We are concerned that any additional travel and financial restrictions will have a negative and harmful impact on our religious activities; and that it will be increasingly difficult for our clergy to obtain visas to come to the U.S. from Cuba and to go to Cuba from the U.S.; and be it further
Resolved, That in our experience, religious exchanges, travel, and engagement, particularly when there is a shared faith tradition, help sustain faith communities and contribute to religious expression and religious liberty. We believe that bridge building, fellowship, and continuing to be in relationship will allow us to transform the political dynamics between the U.S. and Cuba. Overall, the impact of these policy changes will mostly be felt by the Cuban people, who have lived under the U.S. economic embargo for the last 60 years.; and be it further
Resolved, That these policy changes are also likely to negatively impact U.S. relations with Canada, the European Union, Latin American and Caribbean nations. [RLB1] Furthermore, limiting the frequency and amounts of remittances that can be sent from residents of the U.S. to relatives and friends in Cuba will increase economic hardship for many Cuban families and will further isolate the Cuban people; and be it further
Resolved, That we therefore reiterate The Episcopal Church’s call for an end to the embargo; and we reassert our commitment to strengthening relations between the Cuban and American peoples.