Iván Daniel Calás Navarro, a Christian photographer and content creator, has openly responded to accusations that he is "seeking political trouble" in Cuba following his recent posts addressing the nation's challenges.
The controversy erupted when a social media comment claimed, "Today, many Christians in Cuba are looking for political trouble instead of being willing to preach the gospel and face the consequences." This statement sparked a debate and served as a catalyst for Calás to articulate his stance in a Facebook post.
Calás firmly denied any political motives, emphasizing the sincerity of his personal and ministerial testimony. "We don't need to prove how many times we've preached the gospel, whether face-to-face or online. People know that. If anyone doubts our testimony, with its ups and downs, they should ask our pastors, leaders, and friends," he stated.
He was explicit in his clarification: "No, we do not want political cases. We have much to lose and are aware of it. For those who claim that our motivation is likes, let me remind you that while our primary motivation is spiritual, we also seek the widest possible reach as a secondary goal. Why? Because logically, if we didn't, we wouldn't be on social media. If we do something, it must be done with excellence. Besides, I don't survive on likes; in fact, they cost me resources. I'll leave it at that."
Calás asserted that he does not need institutional announcements to speak out about the country's reality: "I don't have to wait for any institution to make a statement for me to express the reality we live in, mainly because those same institutions have taught us about Religious Freedom, Church-State Separation, the Universal Priesthood of Believers, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ."
In another passage, he stated, "The devil cannot stand UNITY. The Department of State Security cannot stand UNITY either. And we desire UNITY." He concluded with a phrase that has become widely shared: "Fear is gone."
The post garnered significant reactions. Many users expressed their support, agreeing on the necessity for believers to not remain silent about the country's issues. Some highlighted that preaching the Gospel and addressing social issues are not mutually exclusive, while others thank young Christians for speaking out clearly and advocating for unity. However, some maintained that the church should steer clear of public matters, reigniting a longstanding debate within various religious communities on the island.
Calás, who identifies as a Baptist evangelical Christian, has been sharing content about faith and society on his channel "Voz De Verdad" since 2017. Recently, he gained attention for a series of videos where he asked Havana residents, "Are you happy?" Many respondents cited the economic crisis, power outages, and shortages, as noted in an earlier report on his posts from late 2025.
This isn't the first time Calás has faced pressure. In September 2023, he was summoned by State Security and, following an interrogation in Havana, was warned that speaking against the authorities could lead to imprisonment. After that encounter, he declared, "Yes, I fear for my life. But God is in control. God is stronger than the DSE. God is the King of Kings."
In his latest post, besides dismissing any intent to incite political conflict, he apologized "if at any point my character and youth have harmed the Gospel in Cuba," and thanked those who support him with prayers and private messages.
His post underscores his call for unity and highlights the role young believers are taking in publicly expressing their convictions about the country's reality.
Understanding the Challenges and Responses of Cuban Christians
What sparked Iván Daniel Calás Navarro's response?
A social media comment claiming that many Christians in Cuba are seeking political trouble instead of focusing on preaching the gospel prompted Calás to clarify his position publicly.
What is Calás's main message in his response?
Calás emphasizes that his motivation is not political but spiritual, seeking to testify with integrity while advocating for unity and expressing the truth about Cuba's reality.
How has Calás's stance been received by the public?
His post has received mixed reactions, with many supporting his call for unity and the need for believers to speak out, while others argue that the church should avoid public political matters.