I. Introduction: Faith in the Shadow of Control
In Communist Cuba, religious freedom remains tightly restricted despite constitutional guarantees and periodic reforms. The government continues to view religion through a political lens, treating faith communities as potential threats to its authority rather than as expressions of civil society. While the Catholic Church retains influence and has occasionally mediated in times of crisis, smaller religious groups face systemic obstacles, ranging from surveillance and harassment to outright bans. For many Cubans of faith, practicing religion freely remains a challenge, pushing some to worship in secrecy or seek opportunities for religious expression abroad.

II. Historical Context of Religious Restrictions
Following the 1959 revolution, Cuba declared itself an atheist state, and religion was relegated to the margins of society. Churches were closed, religious leaders imprisoned, and believers excluded from political life. Although the state formally softened its stance in the 1990s by redefining itself as secular rather than atheist, the government never relinquished its control over religious activity. This historical legacy of suspicion continues to shape policies that limit the autonomy of religious groups today.

III. State Registration and Control
All religious groups in Cuba are required to register with the Office of Religious Affairs, which falls under the Communist Party. Registration is often a lengthy and arbitrary process, effectively preventing many smaller groups from obtaining legal status. Unregistered religious activity is illegal, and congregations that attempt to gather without state approval risk raids, confiscation of property, and harassment of their leaders. This registration system ensures that the state maintains control over who can worship and how.

IV. Harassment of Minority Faiths
Minority faiths—including Jehovah’s Witnesses, Evangelical Christians, and certain Protestant denominations—face particular scrutiny. Authorities often disrupt services, detain leaders, and confiscate religious literature. Jehovah’s Witnesses, in particular, are targeted due to their refusal to participate in compulsory military service, leaving members vulnerable to legal penalties and imprisonment. Muslim and Jewish communities, though
small, also face challenges in importing religious texts, food, and other resources necessary for practice.

V. Restrictions on Religious Gatherings
Even registered religious groups face restrictions on gatherings. Authorities often deny permission for large-scale meetings or religious events that are seen as politically sensitive. House churches, a popular alternative for many Protestants, are frequently harassed or shut down, with attendees fined or threatened with imprisonment. The state’s fear of independent organising means that religious gatherings are rarely seen solely as spiritual expressions but as potential hubs of dissent.

VI. Surveillance and Infiltration
Cuba’s intelligence services maintain close surveillance of religious groups, often infiltrating congregations with informants. This creates a climate of mistrust within communities of faith, discouraging open worship and silencing criticism of the government. Religious leaders who advocate for human rights or speak out against repression are quickly targeted, facing detention or restrictions on their activities.

VII. Co-optation of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, while still the largest religious institution in Cuba, has been carefully managed by the state. Although it occasionally mediates between the government and citizens, its influence is limited by the regime’s control. When Catholic leaders criticise the government, they are often met with intimidation or restrictions, ensuring that their independence remains curtailed. This co-optation reflects the broader strategy of allowing limited religious practice while preventing faith from becoming a platform for organised resistance.

VIII. The Role of Religion in Civil Society
Religious communities in Cuba often provide services that the state fails to deliver, including food distribution, education, and healthcare support. This has made them lifelines for struggling families but also brought them under tighter government scrutiny. Authorities view such activities with suspicion, fearing that they undermine the state’s monopoly on welfare and strengthen the independence of civil society.

IX. International Criticism
International organisations, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and Amnesty International, have repeatedly condemned Cuba for its restrictions on religious practice. Reports document harassment, surveillance, and intimidation of faith communities, urging the Cuban government to honour its
commitments to religious freedom. Despite these criticisms, the regime continues to treat religion as a controlled privilege rather than a fundamental right.

X. Migration and Faith
For some Cubans, restrictions on religious freedom contribute to their decision to migrate. Faith leaders and believers who face harassment often choose exile, seeking countries where they can practice openly and without fear. Diaspora communities abroad become important centres for Cuban religious life, preserving traditions that are suppressed or restricted on the island.

XI. Resilience of Believers
Despite state repression, religious communities in Cuba remain resilient. Believers continue to worship in house churches, gather in secrecy, and find ways to practice their faith under restrictive conditions. This resilience demonstrates the enduring power of faith to provide hope and solidarity in a society marked by authoritarianism and hardship.

XII. Conclusion: Faith Restricted, Freedom Denied
Religious freedom in Communist Cuba remains heavily restricted, with faith communities treated as subjects of state control rather than as autonomous voices of civil society. By limiting registration, harassing minority faiths, and silencing religious leaders, the government ensures that faith does not become a platform for dissent. Yet the persistence of believers, both at home and in exile, highlights the enduring struggle for freedom of conscience in a country where liberty remains elusive.