Alberto Reyes Pías, a prominent critic of the regime within the Catholic Church, has called upon Cuban society to contemplate how it can extricate itself from the dire situation it faces. As a priest from the Camagüey diocese, Reyes issued an appeal on Facebook directed at various government sectors: military, judiciary, executives, police, and informers, urging them to reflect on whether they are truly defending truth and justice.
In his message, Reyes did not overlook the churches, urging them to raise their voices for the poor and oppressed. He also stressed the importance of the people recognizing that while they may not be able to avoid being scorned, deceived, or exploited, they do have the power to withdraw their support from those who manipulate them.
The following is the full text of his post as shared by CiberCuba:
"I've been thinking… (100) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I've been thinking... When life is plagued by poverty and scarcity, and each day turns into an endless obstacle course, a society needs to reflect. When living truthfully becomes perilous and justice lacks defenders, when hope fails to illuminate the horizon and emigration seems the only path forward, a society must engage in deep thought.
Because without reflection, how can a society discover solutions to escape its depths? How can it break the chains that immobilize its historical progression? Now is the time for reflection; this is the moment for thought.
The Call to Reflect
It is time for the highest authorities in this country to consider how this land has been impoverished and how emptiness has filled the Cuban universe—both materially and politically—rendering a people disenchanted with the 'revolutionary project' and the 'new socialist man.' These are people crying out for peace, freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
It is time for those in the military and executive branches of government to contemplate what they are truly defending, realizing that it is not the ideals of their people. They must understand that they too are victims of what they uphold: victims of shortages, victims of their emigrated children's absence, victims of fear that a single mistake could unravel all they've built.
A Plea to Defenders of Justice
The time has come for justice officials to recognize that their vocation is to defend truth and justice. When they unjustly convict an innocent, they might receive applause from those in power, but they cannot silence the reproach of their own consciences.
It's time for those who repress, assault, intimidate, and betray to contemplate the God who created us to be brothers, not executioners; to do good, not harm; to extend a helping hand, not aggression.
Churches and the Voice of the Oppressed
Churches must consider whether their belief in God is calling them to 'prophetic' actions, to speak up for the poor, the defenseless, and the oppressed. They must remember that the one they follow and preach, to whom they owe obedience, is Christ, the crucified.
It's also time for prisoners of conscience to renew their hope, proud of their courage to speak up and demand rights for all. They must remember that darkness will not last forever, that truth suffers but does not perish, and that there is no storm without calm nor night without dawn.
Finally, it is time for the people, composed of real individuals, to realize that while they cannot avoid being despised, deceived, and used, they can choose to stop supporting those who exploit them. They can lift their gaze and declare 'Enough!'
Yes, it is the time; this is the hour."
Understanding the Call for Change in Cuba
What is Alberto Reyes Pías advocating for?
Alberto Reyes Pías is urging the Cuban people and authorities to reflect on their current situation and to think critically about how to achieve justice, truth, and a better future.
Why does Reyes emphasize the role of the church?
Reyes believes that the church has a responsibility to speak out for the marginalized and oppressed, following the teachings of Christ and embodying 'prophetic' actions.
How can the Cuban people respond to the current regime?
Reyes suggests that while the people may face manipulation and deceit, they have the power to withdraw their support from those exploiting them and to demand change.