Venezuela: 'Pray without ceasing' 

Baptists around the world have been invited to ‘constant intercession’ for Venezuela and its people following the military action by the United States of America on Saturday, 3 January

The call comes from the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Union of Baptists in Latin America (UBLA), who have issued a ‘pastoral response’ after US forces breached Venezuelan security to arrest President Nicolás Maduro last week.

Baptists in Venezuela have also urged prayer and peace.

Speaking in the aftermath of the attack on 3 January, US President Donald Trump said the US would 'run' Venezuela until 'a safe and proper and judicious transition' was possible.

The statement by the BWA and UBLA was titled: 'In solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the evangelical community in general, and the Baptist community in particular.’

It stated:

Faithful to the bond that unites us as Latin Americans and as part of the global Baptist family and deeply inspired by the principles of our Christian faith, we, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Union of Baptists in Latin America (UBLA), express our solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

The Baptist World Alliance is a Christian World Communion with more than 400 years of shared history that is today found in 138 countries and territories, representing 53 million baptized believers. The Union of Baptists in Latin America serves as one of the six regions of the BWA, bringing together 23 member partners across 19 countries in Latin America, including the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela, comprised of more than 750 local Baptist churches faithfully ministering amid significant and ongoing challenges.

We lament the profound anguish experienced by the Venezuelan people over many years, both within the country and abroad, a reality that has led to the formation of the largest Venezuelan diaspora in history.

In light of the military incursions carried out by the United States of America in various areas of the sovereign country of Venezuela, during the early hours of January 3, 2026, the people of Venezuela once again find themselves facing deep uncertainty. This situation calls us to constant intercession, praying that the hand of God may guide this entire process and that peace, flourishing freedom, and the strengthening of democratic foundations may bring relief, hope, justice and dignity to the beloved Venezuelan people.

We recognize that these recent developments have drawn public attention and given rise to diverse and multifaceted opinions at a time when polarization is too often accepted as normative.

We urge churches as well as religious, social and political actors at the local, regional, and multilateral levels to exhaust all resources and means to promote civic responsibility, safeguard human life and dignity, and uphold a firm commitment to democratic values.

We encourage the responsible use of social media, careful evaluation of the accuracy of information, and abstention from participating in false, alarmist, or harmful narratives (Ephesians 4:25).

We call upon the people of God to pray without ceasing for the well-being of all Venezuelans, to intercede for those who hold public office, and to ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom in such delicate times.  

We express our solidarity with all Venezuelans and convey our hope for better days for every child, adolescent, young person, and adult who make up this beautiful nation as well as for the diaspora population.

We call upon all people to place the wellbeing of the Venezuelan people at the center of all decisions, actions, and public discourse.

We invite all Venezuelans to turn their hearts to the God of life and hope, to place their ultimate trust in his Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) and in his eternal purposes rather than in any temporary human endeavor (Jeremiah 17:5).

As believers in Christ we affirm, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

May God bless the Venezuelan people and bring just peace to the world!
 

'Remain in prayer, beg God for peace'

The Convención Nacional Bautista de Venezuela (National Baptist Convention of Venezuela), which has 738 churches and 48,000 members according to the BWA, released a statement on Saturday 3 January urging prayer and peace. The statement was signed by its General Director the Revd Elier J. Rosemary M., and President the Revd Ysac Eleazar Bermudez 

The Presidency and General Management of the CNBV, in the face of the events that have taken place in the country since early today, calls on the Baptist people in particular, and the Christian in general, to remain in prayer before the throne of grace, begging our God for a climate of peace and tranquility that allows Venezuelan society to overcome the current national situation. 

These facts, framed in a political and military scenario, have a direct impact on the population that longs to live in peace, to subscribe to the progress and well-being of the family. And, in the midst of this situation we are living now, the fervent desire of the faithful Christian is highlighted for a Venezuela that recognizes God as sovereign Lord and Savior, capable of providing health and comprehensive life to all who submit to His Word.

The prayers of the Christian people are for a country that puts its trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, while assuming a personal and familiar behavior of prudence and reverence, in the face of the events that are occurring in the national territory. 

To believers and non-believers our urge is to stay tuned to events and generate a climate of tranquility, first in the family environment and also in the community. In that order, Christians are called to be a blessing to others.

The Bible says, in the midst of a song of trust in God’s protection, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose thoughts are stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Based on this promise, the Christian people do not fear and move forward, waiting always in the care and mighty hand of the Lord.

Glory be to our God!

Elsewhere Open Doors UK has shared the thoughts of a Venezuelan pastor, stating the local church is asking the global church to join them in prayer.

'The church, like the country, is living in uncertainty,' shares 'Daniel', a pastor in Venezuela. 'Very little information is available, and a state of emergency has been declared across much of the nation. Out of fear, people have been instructed to remain in their homes.'

Open Doors added, 'We ask for prayer that God would have mercy on the people of Venezuela, protect the lives of civilians, and bring peace amid confusion, fear and uncertainty.

'Ask that the church in Venezuela is strengthened by the Holy Spirit to be the voice of peace and wisdom in the country.'




 

'These actions set a dangerous precedent'

The World Council of Churches condemned the US actions in Venezuela.

In a statement, the WCC general secretary the Revd Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay warned that the attacks set a dangerous global precedent by normalising the use of armed force to achieve political objectives.

'These actions set a dangerous precedent and example for others who seek to shrug off all constraints against the use of armed aggression and brute force to achieve political objectives,' wrote Dr Pillay.

He called for an immediate cessation of attacks and for renewed respect for the principles of international law and state sovereignty. The statement also appealed to international bodies to take swift action.

The statement is here.