WCC news: WCC condemns US Attacks in Venezuela, calls for respect for international law

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay has strongly condemned recent attacks carried out by the United States of America in Venezuela, including the capture and detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing the actions as “stunningly flagrant violations of international law.” Informal housing on the hills around Caracas, Venezuela. Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth 3 January 2026 In a statement, the WCC general secretary warned that the attacks set a dangerous global precedent by normalizing 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 Pillay. He called for an immediate cessation of attacks and for renewed respect for the principles of international law and state sovereignty. It also appealed to international bodies to take swift action. “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, and for the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than by armed violence,” the statement continued, urging the United Nations and the Organization of American States to intervene to ensure compliance with international charters and conventions. The statement emphasized the broader global implications of the events. “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,” reads the statement. Read the full statement See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland