The United Church of Christ and our partner faith organizations have a longstanding commitment to peace and opposition to violence in international affairs. This has consistently led UCC leadership to speak against the military foreign policy decisions of U.S. administrations.

You can read the statement from UCC and Disciples of Christ national leaders regarding recent military actions in Venezuela here, copied below.

You can read the statement from the World Council of Churches here, copied below.

You can see the call to action from the UCC’s Peace and Justice Action Network here.   

“The United States attack on Venezuela continues a troubling pattern of unlawful U.S. military activity, including the December 25, 2025, airstrikes in Nigeria. We condemn all forms of government aggression—whether directed at one’s own people or imposed upon another country. When fundamental rights are threatened, nonviolent, lawful, and consensus-based solutions must take precedence.
The military operation that resulted in the removal of Venezuela’s de facto president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife on January 3, 2026, from Venezuela stands in direct contradiction to the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Article 2(4) clearly states that nations must refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The additional decisions by the U.S. government to “run Venezuela” supports a colonial narrative and U.S. occupation. We affirm the right of countries and communities to shape their own futures without coercion or military intervention.
As members of the World Council of Churches, we affirm and support the WCC’s statement condemning the actions of the United States. We join the global ecumenical community in calling for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and renewed commitment to peaceful, multilateral engagement. We recall Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” His teachings compel us to work tirelessly for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
We offer our prayers for all communities impacted by the recent unilateral and unlawful decisions of the United States to attack sovereign nations. As churches committed to the gospel of peace, we grieve the loss, fear, and instability these actions have caused globally. These actions do not create the conditions for a safer or more peaceful world.

  • We Call for Truth, rejecting simplistic narratives provided by those who benefit from
    war and extraction of natural resources.
  • We Demand Sovereignty, standing in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and
    Nigeria in their right to govern their countries and manage their own resources without
    foreign interference or “undercover” attempts at regime changes.
  • We Seek Discernment, praying for the Holy Spirit to grant the church the wisdom and
    courage to see and refute systemic evils and the adversity of Empires.
  • We Urge Action, calling on members to raise awareness and increase their advocacy in
    response to the actions of the US government.
  • We Invite Prayer, calling on churches, partners, and ecumenical companions to join in
    praying with the people of Venezuela, Nigeria, and all communities affected by violence
    and instability.
    May our collective witness and vision for peace inspire leaders to choose diplomacy over
    domination, cooperation over coercion, and peace over war.
    Moving toward wholeness together,

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson

General Minister and President/CEO

United Church of Christ

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens

General Minister and President

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Shari Prestemon

Associate General Minister President and CEO
United Church of Christ

Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, DMin
Disciples Overseas Ministries
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

“The attacks conducted by the United States of America in Venezuela and the capture and detention of President Maduro and his wife are stunningly flagrant violations of international law. 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. 

The World Council of Churches calls urgently for the cessation of such attacks, for respect for the principles of international law and sovereignty of States, for the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than by armed violence, and for the United Nations and the Organization of American States to take swift action to ensure all members respect the relevant charters and conventions. In these dangerous and uncertain times, the world needs wise and courageous leaders for peace, rather than the proliferation of conflicts and the normalization of international illegality risking a deeper descent into chaos. We pray for wisdom and peace to prevail in this context and in other parts of the world.

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
Psalm 34:14

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches