Faith and Healing in Cuba

February 6 - February 18, 2012**

An interfaith dialogue with faith communities in Cuba about health

 

In this delegation, we will learn from Cuba's vibrant faith communities about the effects of the U.S. embargo on the health of the Cuban people.  While Cuba's primary health care system is recognized as a model by the World Health Organization, many medicines are not available or extremely expensive due to U.S. policy. 

 

Faith communities in Cuba are called to help address the problems caused by this policy and have responded in many ways.  We will learn about the "green medicine" gardens that are cultivated at many churches and seminaries as well as programs for Cubans of all ages to maintain and improve their health.

 

Our trip will be coordinated by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center where we will stay in Havana.  For more than twenty years the Center has accompanied the Cuban people and welcomed international guests.  We will visit a seminary in Matanzas, as well as the Center for Reflexion and Dialogue in Cardenas.  We'll visit with Cubans of many faiths in cities as well as small towns. 

 

From what we learn in Cuba we will reflect on how we can work to end policies that harm Cubans in the name of helping them. Please join us! If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Marilyn McKenna via email at mmckenna@crln.org or by calling the office at 773-293-3680.

**Please note that the group will depart for Cuba from Miami on a late morning flight on February 6th and return to Miami on an early afternoon flight on February 18th. Travel plans to/from Miami may necessitate travel to Miami on the 5th and/or returning on the 19th.