2 of 2

Many in the Miami exile community see Elián as a symbolic figure. Joss‚ Marmol, a columnist for a Spanish-language paper, compares the boy to Moses, set adrift by a mother who hoped to spare his life."Moses lived to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel, an exodus that lasted 40 years-about the same as our exile from Cuba," Marmol says."He's a miracle," says Maria Rodriguez, one of many pilgrims who pass by Elián's Little Havana home each day. "I have a feeling that he will be the one who brings change to the history of Cuba," says Mirta Rondón, an exile who fled Cuba 31 years ago.The NCC's Edgar reflected a similar sentiment: "I'm hopeful that this tragic situation can have a positive effect. Elián González could be the catalyst for a changed relationship between the peoples of Cuba and the U.S."

See our earlier coverage of this story, "NCC Presses Case for Boy's Swift Return to Cuba | 'This is not a healthy situation for the boy,' says new general secretary" (Jan. 19, 2000)The National Council of Churches site has a page for "Frequently Asked Questions About The National Council of Churches and the Elián González Case."See also our earlier coverage of the NCC's financial problems, "NCC to undergo major restructuring to solve financial woes | Newly elected secretary faces an organization with a $4 million shortfall" (Nov. 18, 1999)For continuing coverage of the Elián González dispute, including links to news stories, opinion pieces, and related Web sites, see Yahoo!'s full coverage area on the subject.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

March 6 2000, Vol. 44, No. 3