For the month of December, we are kicking off our Season of Solidarity, a special time to recognize, respond and reckon with the voices of the oppressed, while living within in the context of the US Empire during the winter holiday season.

Our first week will focus on the theme of Latin America.

SOS Day #2 – December 2, 2019

• Introduction: For this day we will be learning about the role of religion in Cuba (for good and bad) and discuss the ways that we can be in solidarity with progressive religious communities in Cuba, particularly as it relates to LGBTQ rights.
• A quote for reflection: “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people” – Karl Marx (1844) – For more discussion on this quote and its historical context.
• Suggested Readings: 
  • “Anti-LBGBTQI Crean Alianza en Cuba” (Anti-LGBTQI create alliance in Cuba) from Medium.com
  • “How American Evangelicals helped stop same-sex marriage in Cuba” from Vice.com 
  • The Salomon Mitrani Senior Center in Havana (from The Cuban-American Jewish Mission website)
  • “Pilgrimage to Cuba” Metropolitan Community Churches (Metropolitan Communities Churches is an LGBTQ affirming Christian denomination)
  • “The Hidden Lives of Arabs in Cuba” from MiddleEastEye.net
  • “Religion in Cuba” Wikipedia
• Suggested Videos to watch:
• Suggested Action:
  • Donate (see below under “opportunities to give”)
  • If you are part of a religious community, spend a few minutes to research online about your denomination/tradition’s involvement in Cuba and assess whether its influence is a positive or negative one.
  • Consider visiting one or more of the religious communities in Cuba in 2019.
• Opportunities to give:
  • Donate to help purchase humanitarian relief supplies to be delivered to three different religious communities (Jewish, Islamic and Christian) later in December. (more details on this trip can be found here)
  • Donate to help IFCO/Pastors for Peace in their ongoing work for US-Cuba Solidarity.
  • Help us support the Objector Church in its ongoing solidarity efforts.
• How to connect with others for mutual support: – please join our facebook group.
• A Meme to Share: