WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- Nearly 400 low-grade computers were transported across the U.S.-Mexican border Sept. 11 on their way to Cuban health clinics and hospitals.
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, acting for a consortium of religious associations, assumed custody of the computers, when they were released in two batches May 24 and June 14 by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Most of the computers had been seized at the border near San Diego Feb. 17. The others were intercepted at the U.S.-Canadian border and were being held in Vermont.
Return of the computers was sought through a 94-day fast led by the Rev. Lucius Walker, a Baptist who heads the International Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) and Pastors for Peace. The fast ended when the computers were released in California May 14.
The Vermont batch, less than 40, were held longer because of a technicality and released June 14. This group was transported over the Canadian border Sept. 7.
Seven months of negotiation led to the return of the donated computers and permission to take them to Cuba, where they will support the United Nations' and Pan American Health Organization's INFOMED network, a medical information network.
In a statement issued Sept. 11, the Rev. Thom White Wolf Fassett said the board had "never applied for or requested a license from the Treasury Department for the computers." He has explained in the past that these donated, used computers are humanitarian aid and that some of the people involved with the gift have expressed the belief that application for a license would condone an embargo they vehemently oppose.
The Rev. Eliezer Valentin-Castanon, a member of the board staff, accompanied the shipment Sept. 11. He will work closely with the Cuban ecumenical council to monitor the computers' use.
The board holds title to the computers for religious groups that include the American Baptist Church/USA, National Ministries; the Episcopal Church; the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; and the United Methodist Church's Boards of Church and Society and Global Ministries.
Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New York, and Washington.
For general information about The United Methodist Church, call InfoServ at 1-800/251-8140.
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