Young Christian leaders both on the island and in exile banded together this Saturday for "In Prayer for Cuba," a collective call for the spiritual liberation of the nation amidst increasing repression against evangelical religious leaders.
The initiative is spearheaded by notable figures such as Anna Bensi (Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente), David Espinosa, Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez, known as El Pregonero de Cristo, Alfredito Fominaya, and Anthony Martínez, according to Martí Noticias.
On the very day of the gathering, Espinosa reported the presence of a police motorcycle and other individuals surveilling around his home after his daughter left to attend a church activity.
"We called for a prayer, and it seems they're scared," the activist remarked in an audio message to Martí Noticias, describing the situation and affirming his intention to continue praying from home.
This surveillance is unsurprising given recent events: Espinosa was arrested on October 1 while attempting to attend the trial of Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, at the Popular Municipal Court of Cojímar. Days later, ETECSA selectively blocked his phone line for about three days.
The same legal process saw the regime convict Anna Bensi and her mother, sentencing them to two years of restricted freedom. The trial drew a crowd of believers to the courthouse, chanting and praying in a scene that journalist and writer Yoe Suárez described as part of a broader phenomenon.
"I think the most significant aspect is the cultural shift where churches and this libertarian conservative leadership, in some cases, are bringing previously marginalized ideas back into the public agenda," Suárez told Martí Noticias.
The journalist also highlighted the movement's ability to mobilize: "They're rallying a lot of people. We know the regime is targeting them. Their prominence is remarkable; the regime is displeased."
This Saturday's gathering follows the recent arrest of Pastor Maikel Pupo Velázquez in Camagüey at the end of September after he called on Cuban churches for a public prayer for Cuba and was charged with "disobedience."
World Christian Solidarity (CSW) has called for international support for his case, documenting in a July report 667 instances of religious freedom violations in Cuba between January 2025 and June 2026, including 94 "warning acts" against religious leaders.
Pastor Anisley Ortiz, wife of Pupo Velázquez and a member of the Alliance of Christians of Cuba, demanded his immediate release and issued a broader appeal: "We call on the national and international community to remain vigilant and demand that the Cuban state respect fundamental rights, including the right to religious freedom and conscience."
The Alliance of Christians of Cuba recorded 996 repressive actions against religious leaders in 2024 alone, a figure that underscores the pressure the regime exerts on faith communities, more than 80% of which lack state legal recognition.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Evangelicals
What is the "In Prayer for Cuba" initiative?
The "In Prayer for Cuba" initiative is a collective call organized by young Christian leaders for the spiritual freedom of Cuba, taking place amid increased repression against evangelical religious figures.
Who are some of the key figures involved in this movement?
Notable leaders involved include Anna Bensi, David Espinosa, Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez, Alfredito Fominaya, and Anthony Martínez.
How has the Cuban government responded to these activities?
The government has increased surveillance and taken legal action against religious leaders, including arrests and phone line blocks, as part of its crackdown on these movements.
What support has been sought internationally for Cuban religious leaders?
World Christian Solidarity has called for international support and documented numerous violations of religious freedom in Cuba, urging global attention and action.