Father Olbier Hernández, a Cuban priest residing in Valencia, has criticized as immoral the Cuban regime's decision to charge hurricane victims in Granma province for water, even at a "symbolic price." He emphasized the Christian duty to speak out against injustice.
In a Facebook post, Father Olbier Hernández declared that politics is not a "profane domain separate from the Gospel," asserting that a priest not only can but must speak out "when politics affects people's lives and the justice demanded by the Gospel."
The priest's comments came in response to a decision by local authorities in Río Cauto, where it was announced that water provided to those affected by Hurricane Melissa would be sold at 40 pesos per household, described as a "symbolic" price.
Hernández, referencing Catholic social teaching, noted, "The Church, though it has a religious mission, possesses a light and energy that can serve to structure and affirm human community according to divine law."
He reiterated that "speaking against injustice is evangelical consistency, not partisanship," and stressed that proclaiming the Gospel involves denouncing all forms of oppression against the poor and vulnerable.
The priest's statements come amid growing discontent over the Cuban regime's actions in areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Besides charging for water, Río Cauto authorities also announced that mattresses provided to the victims would not be donations but partially state-subsidized goods.
In his reflections, Hernández also cited Pope Francis: "Proclaiming the Gospel demands a charity that becomes political in the best sense—that is, transforming structures and promoting human dignity—without confusing pastoral mission with partisan militancy."
Concluding his remarks, the Cuban priest living in Spain emphasized that the prophetic voice of the Church cannot remain silent in the face of measures that threaten human dignity. "The priest must be a prophet of truth and a servant of freedom and justice," he wrote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Response to Hurricane Melissa
Why is the Cuban regime charging for water after Hurricane Melissa?
The Cuban government decided to sell water to hurricane victims in Granma province at a "symbolic price" of 40 pesos per household, which has been criticized as an immoral act by some, including Father Olbier Hernández.
What is Father Olbier Hernández's stance on political involvement by priests?
Father Hernández believes that priests must speak out when politics affects people's lives and the justice required by the Gospel, advocating for the denunciation of oppression against the poor and weak.
What other measures has the Cuban government taken regarding hurricane relief?
In addition to charging for water, the authorities in Río Cauto announced that mattresses given to those affected by the hurricane would not be donations but goods partially subsidized by the state.