The Global Justice Institute Strongly Objects to U.S. Attacks on Venezuela
January 3rd, 2026 | For Immediate Release
Global Justice Institute
The events of January 3, 2026, involving the extraction of Nicolás Maduro by foreign military forces, present a moral and theological crisis. While the suffering of the Venezuelan people under his leadership is well documented, a religious perspective rooted in peace and justice suggests that this "Operation Absolute Resolve" sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the sovereignty of nations.
When a foreign power unilaterally removes a country’s leader, it violates the providential right of a community to determine its own path. True justice is not "extracted" from without; it must be cultivated from within through national reconciliation and communal transformation.
Scripture warns against the hubris of empires. Indeed, the “reign of God” is in opposition to imperial domination. The use of overwhelming military force to seize a head of state, regardless of his crimes, is not the way of God’s reign.
As we have seen in historical precedents, such interventions often yield chaos, further destabilizing the lives of those who already suffer. By prioritizing military "extraction" over diplomatic and spiritual persistence, we risk replacing one form of tyranny with another—the tyranny of domination by unilateral force.
Justice for the oppressed is a divine mandate, but it cannot be achieved by disregarding the potential for domestic resolution.
We, the bishops of the Global Justice Institute add our voice of concern to the voices of other spiritual leaders:
“When the U.S. government says, within hours of operations…’we are going to rule the country’ and ‘we will rebuild oil infrastructure before a transition,’ it makes me fear that the Venezuelan people have moved from one form of oppression to another. I don't think this military operation was by the people in Venezuela, when here in America we treat Venezuelans and other immigrants of color with cruelty.” Venezuelan-American pastor Rev. Antonio Gallardo, St. Luke’s Church, Long Beach
“The Unitarian Universalist Association condemns the Trump Administration’s military strikes overnight against the country of Venezuela. These actions were taken after months of U.S. military harassment resulting in the deaths of Venezuelan civilians and undertaken without involvement of Congress, according to published reports. As people of faith and conscience, it is essential to speak out now as this situation quickly escalates, creating dangers across the Hemisphere.” Unitarian Universalist Association
“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…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.” General Secretary Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay
“I call on our Nation’s leaders, legislators, and those specifically charged to direct our Armed Forces to respect the consciences of those who raise their right hands to defend and protect the Constitution by not asking them to engage in immoral actions…Show the world our respect for human dignity and the rule of law.” The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the U.S. Military Services
We at the Global Justice Institute ask you to join us in praying for the people of Venezuela.
“They will hammer their swords into plow blades and their spears into pruning shears. Nations will never fight against each other, and they will never train for war again.” Micah 4.3b (GWT)
May peace prevail on earth.
In the spirit of justice-love,
GJI Council of Bishops
Bishop Pat Bumgardner
Auxiliary Bishop Jim Merritt
Auxiliary Bishop Robert Griffin
Auxiliary Bishop Durrell Watkins
