Cuba’s government said that none of the evangelicals are there against their will and that police surrounded the church to prevent any incidents after family members expressed worries about loved ones on the inside, including four pregnant women and 19 minors.

William Herrera, the son and spokesman of pastor Braulio Herrera, told The Associated Press by phone from inside the temple that the group has been conducting a regular spiritual retreat since Aug. 21 that aims to “liberate Cuba from sins.”

“God told us to pray morning, noon and night. … We want a new Cuba free of sin,” he said. “But this should not be misinterpreted — we do not have anything to do with politics.”

A medical team entered to verify that the worshippers were in good health and warned the pregnant women a prolonged stay would be dangerous; authorities also expressed concern that the children were missing the beginning of the school year.

A government note published Tuesday in state media said officials were trying to resolve the situation, and that authorities had no involvement in its root cause.

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