Ecumenical Network Program of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center

by Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ) | published on Jul 16, 2020

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center (CMMLK) was founded in 1987 and is an organization of Christian inspiration in which Cuban people and their churches contribute prophetically to the solidarity of their country and communities. Their contribution is made with education in critical, liberating, and contextual theology. They give hope by organizing social participation with the testimony of service and with an emancipatory Christian inspiration. They give substance to their commitment by ministering with the Cuban people and actively striving for social justice

In 2019, the Ecumenical Network of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center (CMMLK) in Cuba experienced an increase in the number of members. Many of the members became more involved in the network as well. One action the Ecumenical Network completed recently was mapping out ecumenical actors in Cuba. This map is already in use for conversations toward a new strategic plan to begin in 2020 and for the following years.

Today, the Ecumenical Network has placed identified priorities for the areas of organizing, solidarity, accompaniment, and communication. The Network’s strategic plan is helping to guide members to participate locally to work together for common efforts, to participate in acts of solidarity with the community on a variety of programs, and to host training opportunities.

Alas de Corazon (Wings of the Heart) operates a community arts program in the town of San Cristobal. The program uses paper mâché and recycled materials to create art pieces that encourage participants to think about the differences it would make to concentrate on the We over I. These projects generate environmental awareness through promoting community ecological stewardship and to help children and adults alike consider how they might care for others and the earth. One of the larger events put together by Alas de Corazon in years past is the Paper Festival. Taking place in May, the event brings together hundreds of people to participate in a parade with costumes made of recycled materials and paper to celebrate arts, recycling, and collaboration.