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
Anita Powell
Amen. Thank you for encouraging us, the followers of Jesus Christ, to stand firm on the Rock on which we are planted. It is not the easy road we follow, it is the holy and just one. May Christ’s peace and love reign now and forevermore. May it be so. May it be soon. In His Holy Name we pray.
John Stuart Mill II
Thank you so much. In response to a UCC request, I have written our Indiana Congress people expressing my dismay at all of the recent unlawful actions of our President. As a former Treasure of DOM and Global Ministries, it is gratifying and encouraging to note the inclusion of the Global Ministries Co-Executives on the above in additions to our denominational leaders. Will it have any effect on the President’s actions? Only God knows but we must do all that we can to speak out against all injustices to God’s people and creation. Rev. J. Stuart Mill, II
Steven Osborne
I am in agreement with the opinion posted by the leadership of The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
Scott Rose
Jesus or his apostles were never involved in politics – nor should we🤔
Annell George McLawhorn
Thank you for signing on behalf of Disciples
Michael Dawkins
AMEN
Rev. Tom Oden-Peace
I fully appreciate this message. I will disseminate this call for justice in the church where I am a member as a retired person on staff.
Malinda Fillingim
Thank you for these words.
Debra Wasowicz
I am a life-long DOC member of Hannibal First Christian Church, Hannibal, MO. I have never been prouder of our denomination…working to be the FACE of Jesus in a divided world. (Forgiving, Accepting, Compassionate and Encouraging)
Leslie Therrien, First Christian Church of Charlotte
Thank you to our leaders from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.
I am proud to be a Disciple and part of God’s calling to us to be witnesses to a fragmented world.
Thank you for demonstrating the faithfulness to Jesus’s teachings and commandments, and the courage to call out the evil amidst us!
I can take strength and comfort from your leadership! I pray God’s grace and healing and strength enfold us and empower us always.
Diane Williams
Thank you🙏
Brenda Harper
As a member of Disciples of Christ for 52 years. Please do not speak for me.
Jan Crosby
Thank you for speaking up. ☮️
Kathy Hilberg
I strongly support this statement and am thankful that our church is represented in the truth and urgency of the message to our government.
Joy
I can’t tell you how much it means to me that we finally voice our opposition to the aggression United States is focused on. May we unite in prayer to return to the Peacemakers we used to represent.
Charlie Garnett
The government of Nigeria asked for the US assistance to help keep Christians from the continued slaughter they have seen over the past 5 years.
The Biden administration issued a warrant for the dictator’s arrest with a 50 million dollar reward for his apprehension. He clearly lost his election and refuse to relinquish power. The people of Venezuela are celebrating in the streets. The people in the US that I know who are from there are extremely happy for this chance at freedom and a better life.
I must say I think God would welcome protection and freedom of oppression for his people.
Phyllis Browning Reed
Thank you for this statement clarifying our church’s stance. It is very meaningful to have this in black & white to share. Thank you.
Sharon Falls
Church should not give political position
Dr. Darrell V. Locke
This message is right on. I am so glad to see our denomination taking a stand on this issue. It is frightening to see the direction our country is taking and shame on us if we do not take a stand.
Victor Coriano
Let there be peace on Mother Earth!
Kimberly Brown
Thank you for articulating my thoughts and prayers. May all that you affirm in this statement be accepted and acted upon peacefully with God’s help in the name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN
With gratitude,
Kinberly Brown
Pacific Grove, CA
Rev. Xose G. Escamilla
I do not see anything in this letter that suggests any actual Venezuelan citizen people supporting such statement. It is my opinion, that the very intent to uphold “sovereignty” of people in another country, statements such as this one are at lest imprudent without considering an opinion of at least a person of Venezuelan upbringing in the country. As a Disciples minister in a border city, experiencing ministry to Venezuelan immigrants, a statement such as this one would not be welcoming to them.
Amy
Amen! Well said!