Hmm, I do not know the answer to them. I don't know all the details, especially which churches are represented and whether they are on certain permitted lists. Let me know if you find out.

So are you pro Cuban and anti Castro? Explain more to me. I am just interested in different viewpoints in the matter. I wonder more of your experience living in cuba. Perhaps it may mean a topic for discussion.

I think the blocade and travel bans of the US are harsh, I think that Pastors for Peace is doing great work to challenge this policy from the US. As for Castros politics...I would like to learn more.

During the Revolutionary Period (up until Pope John Paul II's visit) almost ALL religious activity was prohibited. My godfather in Ifa's father was sent to penetantary for refusing to stand to salute the flag (he was Jehova's Witness,) Roman Catholic masses were prohibited or at least attendendants marked for re-education. Permists were required to hold a Santeria consagration but for Santeria and for Palo, BIG heads were turned (Fidel has Eleggua made) and after centuries during which the Orishas survived shielded behind Roman Catholic Saint drag, during this period the Orishas have repaid their debt to the Roman church by being the route for which Roman Catholicism to survive in Cuba.

When I visited the second time (which my first time for religious reasons) Pope John Paul II had already arrived. Cuba had, if not opened itself wide to evengalization, had at least allowed it. It was UGHY. I met a black American trying to convert Santeros to Mormonism (odd justoposition that, black mormon tries to convert white Santero). Families were being torn apart (I have seen this in one Latin American country after the other) by one member of the family or a couple (thus dragging TWO families into the sundering).

Fundamentalism and the insecurity of the evengelical of his or her own beliefs that is the impetus for them to go forth and make others believe ("if more people believe like I do then It makes me feel more sure of my belief") is and ugly and evil thing.

In Cuba various fringe Xian sects funded by US missionary-evengelical groups were using FOOD (a HUGE factor in the life of an average Cuban) to facilitate conversion. Rather like using a hypnogogic drug to brainwash an American who isn't swayed by your offer of a sandwich because he has steak at home.

I am very glad when people find a path to god that makes them feel faith-filled and enthusiastic (etemology: "god within") BUT I have NO respect for anyone who comes to me and tells me that I couldn't figure out what was MY way, made a mistake and they know FOR ME which is the path to god. I have always respected other's choice in religion and I have a surprise for those who have the AUDACITY to not respect mine: I turn the hose on them if they break my peace and ring my door bell.

I suggest answering the door naked, turning the hose on evangelicals who invade one's peace as a catharsis that can't be beat. They should be free to believe in what they want. I am the king of my own castly and they do not ring my bell with impunity.

Zed