A pastoral letter regarding Anabaptists in Venezuela

Mennonite World Conference calls on all its members to join in prayer for our sisters and brothers in Venezuela.

On 3 January 2026 at 2 a.m. local time, the USA bombed military bases in the capital city Caracas and in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The USA military forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife who will be tried with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. The president of the USA has declared an intention to “run” Venezuela and for USA oil companies to take control of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

According to Jaime Prieto, a historian and a Mennonite from Costa Rica, this is part of a pattern: violent armies of the United States are invading the peoples of Latin America as they have done over again, starting in the 19th century: Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Cuba, Panama, and now Venezuela.

Reports from Anabaptists in Venezuela:

They are currently safe in their homes but there is a general feeling of uncertainty; fear of shortages of food, medicines and fuel; and there is some danger of violence in the streets.
They request prayer for civic and political stability, including respect for citizens’ rights; and for Christian spiritual resilience, as this translates into an invisible strength to rebuild the country.

We share with you some words from our member churches in the region.

The national committee of IMCOL (Mennonite Christian Church of Colombia), our member church in the neighbouring country Colombia, has received many refugees from Venezuela over the past years and is involved in joint ministry with the emerging Mennonite churches in Venezuela.

Our sister church in Venezuela request prayer:

For a negotiated settlement in place of a possible second attack.
That the violence between pro-government groups and the opposition would be stemmed.
For what happens next to be resolved by the people of Venezuela and not international interests.

We also pray:

For any victims who may have died or been wounded and their families.
Regarding the implications of this political intervention by the USA for nations and peoples in the world, especially in Latin America.

We draw alongside the Venezuelan people during this time of uncertainty, call out to God for true peace and justice that bestows dignity on his people.

May the love of Christ be our bridge, our hope, and our path to reconciliation.

Conferencia Peruana Hermanos Menonitas (the Mennonite Brethren in Peru) also shares prayers for Venezuela.

Firstly, we give thanks to our Creator God and Saviour.

We know how difficult life is in our neighbouring country, Venezuela.

We pray, asking our Lord to end this suffering and that God’s precious hand provides opportunities for life, joy and celebration in the LORD.

And from now onwards, we place our faith in God that God will change everything for the good of our futures and for the following generations.

The Epistle of James reminds us that “the fruit of righteousness [or justice] is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). The manner in which we sow seeds matters. Military intervention and attacks are not seeds that will ultimately bring about justice or righteousness.

We lament the USA’s decision to use its military might to seemingly fulfill its own agenda in another country.

Jesus calls us to love our enemies and not become what we hate. Concerns about one form of rule does not justify the military attack and intervention from another. “When we resist evil with evil, when we mirror it, when we lash out at it in kind, we simply guarantee its perpetuation,” says theologian Walter Wink.

We call for your prayers for those in the region who are anxious and suffering.
We pray that the people of Venezuela may assert their right to collectively determine their national leadership.
We pray for government leaders around the world to speak and act with courage and love in this moment of conflict.
We also pray for the leaders of the USA, that they would learn to govern with wisdom and justice.

May we acknowledge different perspectives even among our sisters and brothers and continue to live out grace and understanding. May we learn from history and choose the ways of Christ and his peace. As we pray for others, may the Holy Spirit shape our hearts and lead us to action.

“[God] shall judge between the nations
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation;
    neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.