Joe Irwin response to UCCtruths
Monday, February 26, 2007
UCCtruths.com has an open invitation to UCC leaders to submit their own commentary which will be posted, unedited at the top of the site, at any time. I appreciate Joe Irwin's response to the February 14 post (photos below provided by Joe Irwin):
Thanks for publicizing my first trip to Cuba in 2003 (February 14). I have had many people email me asking how they might learn more about Cuba and the Cuban people. While your recent web posting makes some good points -- perhaps, I was a bit over-dramatic -- the Travelogue you mentioned does not report a mission or religious trip to Cuba. It was an educational "study seminar" (as it clearly states), one which had been occurring annually for over 25 years. Thus, the goal of that trip was to get to know the Cuban people, their society, and their culture -- as well as their religion.
While that trip did not pretend to be a religious or mission trip, two years ago, the Bush administration tightened regulations which virtually ended most humanitarian, medical, educational and religious travel to Cuba. Thus, today, even full-time religious and mission trips to Cuba have been virtually stopped. As an American and a Christian, that concerns me. And, I am surprised that it does not concern even the most conservative of American citizens.
In any event, I'm sure you join me in hoping for the day when we can relate in a caring and Christian manner to ALL our neighbors -- whether their government be democratic or socialist -- whether they be Cuba or Red China (who happens to have a "preferred nation trading status" with the US government). Thank you and may God bless you in your work.
Sincerely, Joe Irwin
