“Cuba does not represent a threat to US national security,” Winkler said in his assessment of the anti-Cuban executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29.

The former ecumenical leader warned that the current situation greatly hinders normal relations between the US and Cuban churches and advocated for the rapprochement between the two countries.

Winkler, who is also the former secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ, added, “Regular visits and contact strengthen ties and provide opportunities for prayer and worship.”

The reverend insisted that the US government’s policy restricts the religious freedom of our churches,” and underscored that he was “deeply disappointed that former US President (Joe) Biden broke his campaign promise to restore relations with Cuba. In essence, he continued Trump’s policy, not Obama’s.”

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