Cuban Pastor Denies CIA Allegations Against Western Baptist Convention

Cuban Pastor Barbaro Abel Marrero, president of the Western Cuba Baptist Convention Association and rector of the Baptist Theological Seminary in Havana, addressed recent accusations linking his denomination to alleged CIA activities on Thursday. The claims, made by the social media profile El Necio, alleged that the Western Baptist Convention was a primary space used by the CIA to capture individuals on the island.

Marrero rejected these assertions in a Facebook post, stating that El Necio presented the accusations as a “supposedly proven fact.” He emphasized that the claim was not supported by evidence and described it as a serious matter. The accusations came after El Necio claimed the CIA had increased its presence in Cuba during 2026, with a focus on evangelical churches, including the Western Baptist Convention.

The profile specifically mentioned the Western Baptist Convention, alleging that individuals were being captured “willing to yield the word of God to the interests of Trump and Marco Rubio.” However, no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims. Marrero characterized the accusation as reminiscent of historical episodes of persecution against Christians.

He drew a parallel to the persecution under Emperor Nero in the first century AD, when he falsely accused Christians of setting Rome on fire. Marrero also referenced an incident in Cuba in 1965, when several Baptist ministers were imprisoned on charges that lacked evidence. He noted that this situation felt like a “déjà vu” for the Baptists of western Cuba.

Marrero’s response was shared by Luzvisión Noticias, which described the accusations as unfounded and highlighted the fear within the evangelical community that such claims could be used to discredit or pressure churches. The publication also recalled the longstanding tensions between the Cuban State and religious communities, including the imprisonment of Baptist pastors during the 1960s.

In closing his message, Marrero cited the Bible passage in Matthew 5:11, which speaks to the blessing of those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He currently holds a prominent role within the Western Baptist denomination of Cuba, serving as both president of the Convention and director of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana, where he also teaches.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)