Elio Batista Gómez, the pastor leading the Moradora de Sion church in the town of Guareiras, Colón municipality, Matanzas, has reported ongoing harassment from State Security and local authorities aimed at halting his religious and community outreach activities. Journalist Yaiset Rodríguez Fernández shared on social media that Pastor Batista received an official letter from the Provincial Directorate of Justice, notifying him that he is unauthorized to conduct religious services or offer community aid and donations.
Dated June 4th, the letter states that the denomination to which he belongs—the Council of Pentecostal Congregational Churches, headquartered in Santiago de Cuba—lacks permission to operate in Matanzas province. "The town is filled with personnel from Housing, Physical Planning, Justice, Hygiene, Government, PCC… a whole committee conducting surveys," a source close to Guareiras explained.
This source claims that authorities are conducting door-to-door interviews to convince residents to oppose the church's presence. The pastor's family has also suffered intimidation tactics, such as grease smeared on their property fences, flooding at the church entrance, and the theft of a generator.
Additionally, a supposed State Security agent known as "Yodelvis" has been inquiring about Batista. The church, functioning as a house of worship, usually gathers around 200 individuals, many of whom have voiced their support for the pastor. However, this harassment campaign has placed significant psychological strain on Batista, his wife, and children, who now fear for their safety.
Despite the Cuban Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion, independent organizations report that the regime still exerts control over churches not aligned with its official ideology, criminalizing their social work and restricting their activities through arbitrary regulations. Various Christian leaders and followers have started voicing solidarity and support for the pastoral family, calling for solidarity and prayer from religious communities both within and outside Cuba.
Understanding the Harassment of Religious Leaders in Cuba
What actions have been taken against Pastor Elio Batista Gómez?
Pastor Elio Batista Gómez has been subjected to harassment by State Security and local authorities, including receiving a letter prohibiting his religious activities, experiencing intimidation tactics against his family, and having a generator stolen.
Why is the church in Guareiras facing opposition from authorities?
Authorities claim that the church's denomination does not have permission to operate in Matanzas, and they are conducting surveys to convince locals to oppose the church’s presence.
How are religious freedoms restricted in Cuba despite constitutional guarantees?
Although the Cuban Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the regime controls non-aligned churches, criminalizing their social work and limiting activities through discretionary regulations.