Vigil for Cuba

Washington, June 24 (RHC) Representatives of U.S. religious organizations raised their voices Friday in a prayer vigil in solidarity with Cuba in the heart of Washington.

At the Union Methodist building, located a short distance from the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol, the executive director of the Interfaith Foundation for Community Organizing IFCO/Pastors for Peace, said that there are times when communities of faith are called to adopt prophetic stances and to stand up and denounce injustice.

"We call for an end to the U.S. government's economic blockade of Cuba, the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and the normalization of relations between the two countries," she added.

The daughter of the late Rev. Lucius Walker called for "loving support for our Cuban neighbors who have struggled resiliently under our government's economic blockade."

She recalled that her father, founding executive director of IFCO/Pastors for Peace, 1996 coordinated the annual U.S.-Cuba Friendship Caravan to deliver 1,400 computers to the island for use in hospitals and clinics, but the U.S. government confiscated them.

Lucius and four others "held a 94-day hunger strike in this very place, here, in the United Methodist Building," she emphasized.

Gail called for building the broadest possible coalition - of people of faith and conscience - "to fight to end the draconian economic war being waged against the Cuban people.

We must stand up for Cuba and all oppressed peoples around the world, said Walker, who was arrested here the day before when she tried to speak to New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez about the need for a change in Cuba policy.

"Following my father's legacy, we will stand firm because love cannot be blocked," she concluded.

Unlike Menendez, other activists were personally attended by Massachusetts House member Jim McGovern, one of the most active congressmen in favor of recomposing U.S.-Cuba ties.

Among the speakers at the vigil was Reverend Michael Neuroth of the United Church of Christ.

In addition, pastors Lydia Muñoz of the United Methodist Church and Dorlimar Lebron, who serves at the First Hispanic United Methodist Church in the East Harlem section of New York City. The vigil is part of a week of actions across the country in support of Cuba, which will conclude on Sunday with a protest in front of the White House. (Source: PL)