01/03/2026
Where is the church in such a time as this? We are here.
From the statement: The Rev. María Jiménez de Ramírez, executive secretary of the Synod of the Iglesia Presbiteriana de Venezuela (IPV), also known as the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela, described the lived experience of communities as marked by anger, confusion, anguish, and indignation. She said that while the Gospel proclaims light, hope, and peace, these can only be meaningful where justice is present. Rising fuel prices, daily uncertainty, and confusion about unfolding events make it critical that churches inform communities, resist fear, and ensure that people feel seen and supported.
Eyewitness accounts underscore the realities of fear and resilience. Berla Andrade from the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela (Iglesia Presbiteriana de Venezuela) recounted life near Caracas, hearing bombings and helicopters while the ground shook. “The pastoral embrace of the church becomes essential,” she said. Solidarity from churches around the world, she added, has strengthened communities’ resolve to organize, resist despair, and feel part of a wider body beyond Venezuela’s borders.
The WCRC notes that these challenges are not unique to Venezuela. We are reminded that imperial systems that prioritize occupation, domination, control of resources, and the preservation of global privilege over human dignity are theological and moral challenges. They are not neutral, and faith communities are called to name, resist, and transform them.
The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) strongly condemns the illegal act of aggression by the United States of America in Venezuela earlier today. It further expresses deep concern over the growing political, economic, and social pressures facing Venezuela, including the threat of occupatio...