How has the NCC worked with the Cuban Council of Churches in the past?
The council-to-council partnership in the Elian case was characteristic of our work with ecumenical councils and other church bodies in more than 80 countries around the world. As people who share a common faith that crosses national boundaries, we and our partners strive to be accountable to each other. That means that the NCC does not make unilateral decisions that affect partners in other countries. On the contrary, we consult with our partners on issues they face and ask how they would like us to be involved. Our partners are on the ground; they know their own churches and their own country. They also have to live with the consequences of what the NCC does in the name of the churches. Therefore, we take their counsel seriously before acting or speaking on issues that have an impact on them. The NCC has a long relationship with the Cuban Council that predates the revolution in Cuba. We have worked to maintain contacts with Christians there through difficult days and through many cha
