Changes

==People and Religion==

==People and Religion==

Cuba is a multiracial society with a population of mainly [[Spanish]] and [[African]] origins. Recent [[mitochondrial DNA]] evidence indicates that genetic contributions of peoples of the [[neo-Taino nations]] such as the Siboney, is not negligible. 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 constitution was amended to characterize the state as secular instead of atheist.  

Cuba is a multiracial society with a population of mainly [[Spanish]] and [[African]] origins. Recent [[mitochondrial DNA]] evidence indicates that genetic contributions of peoples of the [[neo-Taino]] nations such as the Siboney, is not negligible. 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 constitution was amended to characterize the state as secular instead of atheist.  

While the Cuban constitution recognizes the right of citizens to [[freedom of religion]], the government de facto restricts that freedom. Twenty-two denominations, including [[Presbyterian]]s, [[Episcopalian]]s, and [[Methodist]]s, are members of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC). Most CCC members are officially recognized by the State, though several, including the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church]], are not registered and are recognized only through their membership in the CCC. Another 31 officially recognized denominations, including [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the small [[Jewish]] community, do not belong to the CCC. The government does not favor any one particular religion or church; however, the government appears to be most tolerant of those churches that maintain close relations to the State through the CCC. Unregistered religious groups experience various degrees of official interference, harassment, and repression. The Ministry of Interior engages in active efforts to control and monitor the country's religious institutions, including through surveillance, infiltration and [[harassment]] of religious professionals and practitioners. The most independent religious organizations--including the Catholic Church, the largest independent institution in Cuba today--continue to operate under significant restrictions and pressure imposed on them by the Cuban regime. The Cuban Government continues to refuse to allow the church to have independent [[printing press]] capabilities, full access to the [[media]], the ability to train enough [[priest]]s for its needs or allow adequate numbers of foreign priests to work in the country, or the ability to establish socially useful institutions, including schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and nursing homes. All registered denominations must report to the Ministry of Interior's Office of Religious Affairs.  

While the Cuban constitution recognizes the right of citizens to [[freedom of religion]], the government de facto restricts that freedom. Twenty-two denominations, including [[Presbyterian]]s, [[Episcopalian]]s, and [[Methodist]]s, are members of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC). Most CCC members are officially recognized by the State, though several, including the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church]], are not registered and are recognized only through their membership in the CCC. Another 31 officially recognized denominations, including [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the small [[Jewish]] community, do not belong to the CCC. The government does not favor any one particular religion or church; however, the government appears to be most tolerant of those churches that maintain close relations to the State through the CCC. Unregistered religious groups experience various degrees of official interference, harassment, and repression. The Ministry of Interior engages in active efforts to control and monitor the country's religious institutions, including through surveillance, infiltration and [[harassment]] of religious professionals and practitioners. The most independent religious organizations--including the Catholic Church, the largest independent institution in Cuba today--continue to operate under significant restrictions and pressure imposed on them by the Cuban regime. The Cuban Government continues to refuse to allow the church to have independent [[printing press]] capabilities, full access to the [[media]], the ability to train enough [[priest]]s for its needs or allow adequate numbers of foreign priests to work in the country, or the ability to establish socially useful institutions, including schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and nursing homes. All registered denominations must report to the Ministry of Interior's Office of Religious Affairs.