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The priest Alberto Reyes Pías, one of the most critical voices against the dictatorship within the Catholic Church, urged society to think about how it can find solutions to emerge from the abyss in which it finds itself.
Reyes, from the diocese of Camagüey, made a call on his Facebook wall to the various branches of the government: the military, judges, executives, police, informants... and urged them to consider whether they are defending truth and justice.
In his message, the parish priest did not forget about the churches, calling on them to raise their voices on behalf of the poor and the oppressed.
He also stated that the people must think and understand that while they cannot avoid being disregarded, deceived, and used, they can choose to stop supporting those who are using them.
Next, CiberCuba shares the full text of the publication.
I have been thinking… (100) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I've been thinking...
When life is plagued by poverty and scarcity, and each day becomes an endless obstacle course, society needs to reflect. When living in the truth becomes dangerous and justice lacks defenders, when hope does not shine on the horizon and emigration is seen as the path to the future, society needs to reflect.
Because if you don't think, how will you find the solutions to escape your abysses? How will you cut the chains that immobilize the course of your history? It is time to think; this is the time to think.
It is time for the highest authorities in this country to reflect on how this land has been impoverished, and how emptiness has come to fill the universe of the Cuban people—both material emptiness and political emptiness of a populace that no longer believes in the 'revolutionary project' or in the 'new socialist man,' in a people that is crying out for peace, freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
It is time for those who make up the military apparatus and the executive branch of the government to consider what it is they are truly defending, which are not the ideals of their people; to think and understand how they too are victims of what they defend: victims of shortages, victims of the separation from their emigrated children, victims of the fear that a misstep could destroy everything they have built.
It is time for the officials of the justice system to remember that their vocation is the defense of truth and justice, and that when they condemn an innocent person, they may receive applause from those in power, but they cannot escape the disapproving voice of their own consciences.
It is time for those who repress, those who strike, those who intimidate, those who threaten, those who betray... to think about the God who created us to be brothers and not executioners, to do good to one another and not harm, to extend a hand and not to attack.
It is time for all churches to consider whether the God they believe in is asking them for what we call 'prophecy,' and to raise their voices on behalf of the poor, the defenseless, and the oppressed. They must remember that the one they follow and preach, the one to whom they owe obedience, is Christ, and Christ crucified.
It is time for the prisoners of conscience to renew their hope, and proud of having been able to raise their voices and demand the rights of all, they should remember that the night will not be eternal, that truth suffers, but does not perish, and that there is no storm without calm nor night without dawn.
It is time for the people, that reality made up of real individuals, to think and understand that they cannot avoid being despised, deceived, and used, but they can stop supporting those who exploit them; they can raise their eyes and say, 'Enough!'.
Yes, it's the time, this is the time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Call to Social Action by Cuban Priest Alberto Reyes
What main message does Father Alberto Reyes convey in his recent publication?
The priest Alberto Reyes urges Cuban society to reflect and act against the dictatorship. He emphasizes that it is time for the people to understand that they can say "Enough!" and cease supporting the regime that oppresses them.
What is Alberto Reyes' criticism of the Cuban regime?
Alberto Reyes criticizes that the Cuban regime has led the country to a state of extreme poverty, lack of justice, and repression. He states that the regime maintains its power through manipulation, fear, and repression, and urges both the government and the forces supporting it to reflect on what they are truly defending.
What role does Alberto Reyes assign to churches in Cuba in light of the current situation?
Alberto Reyes urges churches to raise their voices on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He argues that it is their duty to defend truth and justice, and to act prophetically in favor of the Cuban people.
What does Alberto Reyes propose to achieve change in Cuba?
Reyes proposes a change based on reflection and collective action. He insists that the people must stop being passive and make decisions that challenge the regime, using peaceful yet effective means to claim their rights and build a different future.
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