The Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America (AIPRAL) issued a public statement condemning all forms of violence, military intervention and external political interference that undermine the sovereignty of Venezuela or any other country. The organization also called for solidarity and prayer for the Venezuelan people amid the current international crisis.
The statement, released Jan. 3, 2026, cites the biblical passage, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people of goodwill” (Luke 2:14), as the spiritual foundation for its position. It emphasizes that Christmas should lead the Christian community to a renewed commitment to peace and justice. In the text, AIPRAL affirms its opposition to “all violent actions, all military and political interference, all attacks on the sovereignty of Venezuela, and any intervention that violates the right of peoples to self-determination.”
The regional organization, which brings together 22 Presbyterian and Reformed churches and movements across 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed its solidarity with the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela and with the Venezuelan people. It also called on faith communities to raise a prophetic voice in defense of peace, life and justice.
The statement comes amid heightened international tensions involving Venezuela. During the first week of January 2026, the United States carried out a military operation on Venezuelan territory that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, triggering swift and widespread global reactions. Reports from AP and Reuters indicate the action was widely viewed as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and prompted both support and criticism from governments around the world.
Countries including Brazil, Mexico, Germany and several members of the European Union condemned the operation and called for a peaceful, political solution, while other governments expressed partial support or framed the action as a response to authoritarianism.
In its declaration, AIPRAL warned that external intervention reduces the prospects for peaceful conflict resolution and places the self-determination of nations at risk. The statement explicitly urges Christians in Latin America to pray “for peace and for the right of every country to its independence,” particularly those experiencing political and social uncertainty.
Beyond its call to prayer, Presbyterian and Reformed leaders in Latin America emphasized the importance of standing alongside those who suffer the consequences of violence and instability, expressing solidarity “in this difficult moment of their history.”
AIPRAL’s position reflects broader regional concerns about respect for international law, national sovereignty and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to humanitarian and political crises. It joins similar appeals from religious leaders who advocate dialogue and mutual respect amid recent global tensions.
Statements from the World Communion of Reformed Churches
The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) also released a statement condemning what it described as an act of military aggression by the United States against Venezuela and expressing deep concern over the growing political, economic and social pressures facing the country. The WCRC, which represents nearly 80 million Reformed Christians in more than 100 countries, called for an immediate end to military interventions and urged respect for international law, citing the United Nations Charter as a foundation for peace and justice.
The WCRC emphasized that the Venezuelan crisis cannot be understood solely as an internal matter, but must be viewed within a broader context of militarization and competition for strategic resources. The statement noted that actions aimed at occupying or controlling resources do not resolve conflicts but instead undermine human dignity and challenge the justice promoted by the Gospel. Leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela also described daily life marked by fear and confusion, noting that pastoral support and international solidarity have strengthened hope among affected communities.
The WCRC urged governments and international actors to reject coercive strategies and pursue solutions grounded in dialogue and respect for international law. The organization also called on churches and faith communities worldwide to counter disinformation, amplify the voices of those most affected, and commit to solidarity, prayer and concrete actions to support people facing fear, displacement and uncertainty in Venezuela.
Original reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
