Methodist bishop says Cuba easing church restrictions

[Judi Lynn]

Methodist bishop says Cuba easing church restrictions


03/21/04

GREG GARRISON
News staff writer


North Alabama United Methodist Bishop Robert E. Fannin recently returned from a trip to Cuba, where he was among the leaders of a summit that called on the communist government to allow more freedom to establish churches.
(snip)

"They were very open to us, very appreciative of what the United Methodist church does in Cuba," Fannin said. Diego, a member of Castro's cabinet, mentioned she was interested in the fact that the Methodist church ordains women, Fannin said.

Castro's government, which seized control of all church property when it took power, has in recent years eased its restrictions on churches.

"They took our churches during the revolution; they're giving those back," Fannin said.
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