Bishop signs pact with
Cuban Methodist Church

General Board of Global Ministries
Bishop Joel N. Martinez signed an agreement last month with the autonomous Methodist Church of Cuba that reflected a “spirit of reconciliation and unity.”
The March 29 agreement heals a short-term breach in relationships between The United Methodist Church and Cuban Methodist Church and pledges solidarity in Ministry.
Martinez, president of the United Methodist mission board, signed the statement with Bishop Richardo Pereira of Cuba.
Also signing were Bishop Juan Vera-Mendez of Puerto Rico, president of the Council of Bishops of the Council of Methodist Churches of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the General Board of Global Ministries.
The signing followed a series of conversations in late March involving the four church leaders and additional representatives of the Cuban church and the United Methodist mission board.
The statement recognizes the long history of collaboration between the Cuban Methodists and the mission board and expresses regret for a “rupture” last year. At issue were misunderstandings over a decision by Global Ministries’ directors to close out several designated funds.
“After a moment of reflection and analysis,” the statement says, “we regretted and mutually apologized for all the events. Reaffirming our respect to the decisions of both organizations, we committed ourselves not to let our mistakes set us apart and interfere in our missionary commitment.”
Both Cuban and United Methodist delegates agreed to work together for advancement of the “reign of God in Cuba and all over the world.”
“The Methodist Church of Cuba is a thriving, growing community and is a strong mission partner,” Martinez said. “The United Methodist Church needs to stand solidly with our Cuban brothers and sisters, and we need their example of faithfulness.”
The Methodist Church of Cuba, which was once part of the U.S. Methodist Church, has a membership of some 30,000, up substantially over the last two years.