The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) grieves the loss of lives resulting from the U.S. bombing of Venezuela on Saturday, January 2, which has killed at least 40 civilians and military personnel. We hold in prayer the families who mourn, those who are injured, and all the people of Venezuela. The region now faces the widening consequences of yet another human-made global crisis. Violence of this magnitude never remains contained; it ripples outward, falling most heavily on the poor, the displaced, and the already vulnerable.
As Christians, we affirm that every human being bears the image of God. Our faith calls us to uphold human dignity and to practice justice shaped by the love of God. We are to pursue peace with courage. Acts of unwarranted aggression, violence, and domination contradict this calling and stand in direct opposition to the gospel’s demand that we seek the good of all people.
NCC therefore condemns in the strongest possible terms the United States’ bombing of Venezuela and the apprehension of its president and first lady. These actions represent an overreach of military power and undermine international law. Furthermore, it betrays the banner of moral responsibility that the United States claims to uphold in the world. Such bellicosity threatens regional stability while escalating global insecurity and placing countless innocent lives at further risk.
NCC is deeply troubled by the ongoing pursuit of regime change through military force. It is an approach that has already resulted in civilian deaths without due process or credible evidence. These actions are inconsistent with the democratic principles and constitutional commitments upon which this nation was founded.
The use of military force against Venezuela without congressional authorization is not only immoral but also unconstitutional. It does nothing to make people in the United States safer, nor does it address the root causes of violence or addiction that have been offered as justification for the invasion. Instead, it invites expanded warfare and further loss of innocent life.
Finally, we urge Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to end this unauthorized use of force. We call upon people of faith and conscience to speak and act. Contact your members of Congress to express the desire to end unjust tactics.
Peace pursued through justice is not a weakness. It is faithfulness that is lived out in the public square.