US grants asylum to pastor as Cuban church remains under pressure

The US has granted asylum to a pastor and his family from Cuba as the church there continues to face state interference.

Pastor and denominational leader Carlos Lamelas flew to Florida on Thursday with his wife and two daughters.

Lamelas, the former president of the Church of God denomination, was detained in February 2006 and charged with human trafficking.

His home and possessions were confiscated by the government and he was imprisoned for four months. Even after his release, he was prohibited from working legally.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) believes the pastor was targeted because of his public criticism of government interference in internal religious affairs when he was leader of the Church of God denomination.

Despite being released in June 2006, the charges against him remained and he was put on trial in December of that year.

He was found innocent but his possessions were not returned and the family was forced to spend the last five years living in cramped conditions in the one bedroom apartment of his parents in Old Havana.

The state prohibited Lamelas from working again as a pastor, and both he and his wife were barred from legal employment, meaning they had to rely on the help of family and friends to get by.

CSW said churches of all denominations were reporting government interference in church affairs and that pressure was being on churches that do not oust the families of political prisoners from their congregations.

Methodist Pastor Yordi Toranzo was recently removed from his position by the Methodist Bishop Ricardo Pereira Dias because of his refusal to deny pastoral support to human rights activists and members of the political opposition.

Sources have told CSW that the authorities are changing their tactics from overt forms of persecution, such as demolishing churches, to the more targeted harrassment of pastors and short-term detentions.

CSW believes the shift in tactics is an attempt to deflect international attention away from the harrassment of pastors.

Andrew Johnston, CSW Advocacy Director said, “We are relieved that the Lamelas family will finally be able to carry on with their lives free from government harassment.

"It is unacceptable, however, that this was only made possible by leaving the country. We know that the decision to leave their country was not made easily, and their departure is a great loss for Cuba.

"CSW continues to call on the Cuban government to cease its interference in the activities of religious organisations, and to cease its persecution of those who promote religious freedom.”