wfn.org | Cuba Resources From NCCCUSA

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org

64NCC5/25/99 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC'S FRIENDSHIP PRESS OFFERS NEW RESOURCES ABOUT CUBA

May 26, 1999, NEW YORK -- What is really happening in 
Cuba?  How are its people living today?  How are Cuban 
Christians practicing their faith in the wake of the Cuban 
Revolution?  Addressing these questions and more are four 
new ecumenical resources about Cuba being offered by the 
National Council of Churches' Friendship Press.

 Available now are the book, "Perspectives on Cuba and 
Its People," the "Cuba Map&Facts" and a 28-minute video, 
titled, "Cuba: Three Perspectives."  To be published soon - 
exclusively on the World Wide Web, a Friendship Press 
"first" - is "A Child's Glimpse of Cuba," a guide for 
teachers exploring Cuba with children.

 The book, map and video may be ordered from Friendship 
Press by phoning 1-800-889-5733.  Details follow.  Watch the 
NCC's Web site (http://www.ncccusa.org) for "A Child's 
Glimpse of Cuba."

DETAILS, NEW FRIENDSHIP PRESS RESOURCES ON CUBA

Perspectives on Cuba and Its People
By Theodore A. Braun
Foreword by Joan Brown Campbell: Conversation with Castro
144pp. Illustrated. ISBN 0-377-00326-3 / $11.95

What is really happening in Cuba? How are its people 
living today? Are they winning the long struggle between 
foreign domination and independence? Cuba is seen in the 
context of its 500-year history: the Spanish colonial 
period, the economics of sugar, the era of USA penetration, 
and the strengths and weaknesses of post-revolutionary 
society. 

Many voices are heard in this book. Special attention 
is given to the perspectives of the Taino people, black 
Cubans, Cuban ‚migr‚s, and Cuban Christians. There are brief 
biographies of key historical and contemporary figures. Each 
chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion. A 
resource list gives printed materials, audio visuals, and 
places to send aid. 

Dr. Braun is a United Church of Christ pastor and 
former mission executive who has led 25 study groups to 
Cuba. He urges North Americans and Cubans to be joint 
stewards of the earth's resources.  In the foreword, Dr. 
Campbell, the National Council of Churches' general 
secretary, describes an NCC delegation's dinner and six-hour 
conversation with Cuban President Fidel Castro in June 1998.  
She encourages readers to understand and support the Cuban 
people as they work out their own future. 

Map & Facts: CUBA
Oxford Cartographers
Text by Joseph A. Perez
FP 73028 / $8.95

This beautiful four color map, 23" x 35" , shows 
topography, provinces, major cities, and the island of Cuba 
in relation to other Caribbean countries and the USA. Eight 
panels on the reverse side provide a ready reference to 
Cuban history, blacks in Cuba, religion in Cuba, relations 
with the USA and USSR, and basic geographic facts.  The map 
may be used in conjunction with the adult study book and 
video or as a valuable resource on its own. Dr. Perez 
(retired) served as secretary, Latin America and the 
Caribbean, for the United Methodist General Board of Global 
Ministries World Division. He was professor of sociology at 
Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan. 

CUBA: Three Faith Perspectives (Video)
Produced by Rod Booth and the Berkeley Studio
(United Church of Canada)
FP 58392 / $29.95

This colorful, intriguing video shows in dramatic 
interviews how three Cuban Christians practice their faith 
in the wake of the Cuban revolution. Ysel Perez is a 
Methodist laywoman who remained in Cuba after Castro came to 
power. The Rev. Carlos Ham-Stanard, only two when the 
revolution began, is secretary of the Presbyterian Reformed 
Church in Cuba. The Rev. Tony Ramos is now a Baptist 
professor in Miami. Their stories lay to rest many myths and 
raise significant questions for Christians in north America 
to ponder.  Award-winning producer Rod Booth says this may 
be his best documentary. A study guide is included. (28:47 
minutes) 

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