The United States attack on Venezuela continues a troubling pattern of unlawful U.S. military activity, including the December 25, 2025, airstrikes in Nigeria. We condemn all forms of government aggression—whether directed at one’s own people or imposed upon another country. When fundamental rights are threatened, nonviolent, lawful, and consensus-based solutions must take precedence.
The military operation that resulted in the removal of Venezuela’s de facto president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife on January 3, 2026, from Venezuela stands in direct contradiction to the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Article 2(4) clearly states that nations must refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The additional decisions by the U.S. government to “run Venezuela” supports a colonial narrative and U.S. occupation. We affirm the right of countries and communities to shape their own futures without coercion or military intervention.
As members of the World Council of Churches, we affirm and support the WCC’s statement condemning the actions of the United States. We join the global ecumenical community in calling for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and renewed commitment to peaceful, multilateral engagement. We recall Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” His teachings compel us to work tirelessly for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
We offer our prayers for all communities impacted by the recent unilateral and unlawful decisions of the United States to attack sovereign nations. As churches committed to the gospel of peace, we grieve the loss, fear, and instability these actions have caused globally. These actions do not create the conditions for a safer or more peaceful world.
Our Commitment to Justice
- We Call for Truth, rejecting simplistic narratives provided by those who benefit from war and extraction of natural resources.
- We Demand Sovereignty, standing in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Nigeria in their right to govern their countries and manage their own resources without foreign interference or “undercover” attempts at regime changes.
- We Seek Discernment, praying for the Holy Spirit to grant the church the wisdom and courage to see and refute systemic evils and the adversity of Empires.
- We Urge Action, calling on members to raise awareness and increase their advocacy in response to the actions of the US government.
- We Invite Prayer, calling on churches, partners, and ecumenical companions to join in praying with the people of Venezuela, Nigeria, and all communities affected by violence and instability.
May our collective witness and vision for peace inspire leaders to choose diplomacy over domination, cooperation over coercion, and peace over war.
Moving towards wholeness together,
Rev. Terri Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
General Minister and President/CEO
United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, DMin
President and CEO
Disciples Overseas Ministries
Co-Executive, Global Ministries
Rev. Shari Prestemon
Associate General Minister
United Church of Christ
Co-Executive, Global Ministries