Changes

==Religion==

==Religion==

[[File:Catedral de La Habana, Cuba ELUE.jpg|thumb|left|Cathedral of La Habana.]]

[[File:Catedral de La Habana, Cuba ELUE.jpg|thumb|left|Cathedral of La Habana.]]

The Roman Catholic Church estimates that 60% of the population is Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches is estimated to be 5% and includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Lutherans. Other groups include the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The remainder of the population is either non-practicing of any particular religion, atheist, or agnostic.

The Roman Catholic Church estimates that 60% of the population is Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches is estimated to be 5% and includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Lutherans. Other groups include the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The remainder of the population is either non-practicing of any particular religion, [[Atheism|atheist]], or agnostic.

Some sources estimate that as much as 80% of the population consults with practitioners of religions with West African roots, such as Santeria or Yoruba, for assistance with specific immediate problems such as bearing children, curing illness, or ensuring safe passage. In 2008 a historically secretive group affiliated with Afro-Cuban religious practices, the Abalcua Society, opened a public office.

Some sources estimate that as much as 80% of the population consults with practitioners of religions with West African roots, such as Santeria or Yoruba, for assistance with specific immediate problems such as bearing children, curing illness, or ensuring safe passage. In 2008 a historically secretive group affiliated with Afro-Cuban religious practices, the Abalcua Society, opened a public office.

Catholic Church officials estimate that 10% of baptized Catholics attend Mass regularly. Membership in Protestant churches increased and was estimated at 550,000 persons. The Baptists, represented in four different conventions, are possibly the largest Protestant denomination, followed closely by the Pentecostal churches, particularly the Assembly of God. The number of Pentecostals is believed to be rising sharply. Jehovah's Witnesses report more than 86,000 members, the Seventh-day Adventists 30,000, and Methodists 18,000. There are 22,000 Anglicans and 15,000 Presbyterians. The Jewish community has 1,500 members, with 1,200 of them residing in Havana. The Muslim population consists of 6,000 temporary residents and 300 native-born. There are small communities of Quakers (300) and Mormons (30).

Catholic Church officials estimate that 10% of baptized Catholics attend Mass regularly. Membership in Protestant churches increased and was estimated at 550,000 persons. The Baptists, represented in four different conventions, are possibly the largest Protestant denomination, followed closely by the Pentecostal churches, particularly the Assembly of God. The number of Pentecostals is believed to be rising sharply. Jehovah's Witnesses report more than 86,000 members, the Seventh-day Adventists 30,000, and Methodists 18,000. There are 22,000 Anglicans and 15,000 Presbyterians. The Jewish community has 1,500 members, with 1,200 of them residing in Havana. The Muslim population consists of 6,000 temporary residents and 300 native-born. There are small communities of Quakers (300) and Mormons (30).

The largest organized religion is the [[Roman Catholic Church]], but evangelical [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations continue to grow rapidly. Afro-Cuban religions, a blend of native African religions and Roman Catholicism, are widely practiced in Cuba. Officially, Cuba has been an [[atheist]] state for most of the Castro era. In 1962, the government of [[Fidel Castro]] seized and shut down more than 400 [[Catholic schools]], charging that they spread dangerous beliefs among the people. In 1991, however, the [[Communist]] Party lifted its prohibition against religious believers seeking membership, and a year later the government labeled itself as secular instead of atheist.  

The largest organized religion is the [[Roman Catholic Church]], but evangelical [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations continue to grow rapidly. Afro-Cuban religions, a blend of native African religions and Roman Catholicism, are widely practiced in Cuba. Officially, Cuba has been an [[atheist state]] for most of the Castro era. In 1962, the government of [[Fidel Castro]] seized and shut down more than 400 [[Catholic schools]], charging that they spread dangerous beliefs among the people. In 1991, however, the [[Communist]] Party lifted its prohibition against religious believers seeking membership, and a year later the government labeled itself as secular instead of atheist.  

While the Cuba has laws on the books supposedly granting the right of citizens to [[freedom of religion]], the government de facto restricts that freedom.  

While the Cuba has laws on the books supposedly granting the right of citizens to [[freedom of religion]], the government de facto restricts that freedom.