Her Excellency Lianys Torres Rivera, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This visit in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City strengthened mutual understanding and relationships between the Church and the Cuban government.
Ambassador Torres Rivera is visiting Utah at the invitation of Brigham Young University (BYU). Accompanying her on this visit are her husband, Carlos Alfredo, and the Third Secretary of the Embassy, Ms. Lucia Mercedes Pérez Cuervo.
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During their stay in Utah, which extends through Wednesday, the Cuban delegation is engaged in a variety of activities to deepen its understanding of the Church’s humanitarian, educational and missionary efforts. On Tuesday morning the group toured Welfare Square, a key site for the Church’s welfare and humanitarian services. Later today, the group will attend a dinner hosted by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
In addition to its engagements with Church leaders, the delegation participated in a luncheon with business and economic leaders at World Trade Center Utah, furthering diplomatic and economic discussions.
On Wednesday, October 16, the delegation will visit BYU. Ambassador Torres Rivera will give a lecture, meet with BYU President C. Shane Reese and tour the Provo Missionary Training Center to gain a comprehensive view of the Church’s educational and missionary programs.
This visit follows a similar engagement in 2019 when the First Presidency welcomed Cuba’s Ambassador to the United States, José R. Cabañas. During that visit, Ambassador Cabañas and his delegation met with Church leaders and discussed the importance of solidarity after natural disasters and the Church’s cooperation with social and community organizations in Cuba. The ambassador also delivered a lecture on Cuba-U.S. relations at BYU and participated in a diplomatic luncheon in downtown Salt Lake City.
This ongoing dialogue with the Cuban government underscores the Church’s commitment to building bridges of friendship and cooperation with nations around the world.
The Church in Cuba
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been gradually growing in Cuba since the first branch was organized in 2004. Over 600 Cubans have joined the Church without the help of full-time missionaries. In May 2023, the Church organized its fifth congregation in the Havana Cuba District and held an open house at a facility renovated to accommodate Church meetings and activities.
In November 2022, Elder Soares made a historic visit to Cuba, marking his first visit to the Caribbean nation. During his visit, the Apostle met with government and religious leaders, humanitarian partners and Latter-day Saints. He delivered a special blessing of love and protection to the members in Cuba, encouraging them to recognize the Savior Jesus Christ in their lives and serve as true disciples with joy in their hearts. Elder Soares also participated in a district conference in Havana, attended by about 220 people, and a special baptismal service on the beach for four new members from the municipalities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Bayamo.