Baptist world leaders are responding to the developments taking place in Venezuela after the U.S. entered Venezuela to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The Baptist World Alliance released a pastoral statement in response to the event:
“We recognize that these recent developments have drawn public attention and given rise to diverse and multifaceted opinions at a time when polarization is too often accepted as normative. We urge churches as well as religious, social and political actors at the local, regional and multilateral levels to exhaust all resources and means to promote civic responsibility, safeguard human life and dignity, and uphold a firm commitment to democratic values.”
The National Baptist Convention of Venezuela issued a statement via Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas:
“These events, framed within a political and military scenario, have a direct impact on a population that longs to live in calm, in order to contribute to the progress and well-being of the family.
“And in the midst of the situation currently being experienced,” according to the statement, “the fervent desire of the faithful Christian for a Venezuela that recognizes God as sovereign Lord and Savior is highlighted—one capable of providing health and integral life to every person who submits to His Word.
“The prayers of the Christian people are for a country that places its trust in the Lord Jesus Christ,” the statement continues, “while at the same time assuming personal and family conduct marked by prudence and caution in light of the events occurring throughout the national territory.
“To believers and nonbelievers alike, our exhortation is to remain attentive to developments and to foster an atmosphere of tranquility—first within the family environment and also within the community. In this regard, Christians are called to be a blessing to others,” the statement adds.
President Trump gave U.S. forces the signal to initiate a surprise U.S. strike on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the capital of Caracas in the early morning on Jan. 3.
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Details regarding the U.S. strike on Venezuela and Maduro’s ouster by the U.S. were discussed at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio continue to emphasize the U.S. will run Venezuela until the transition of power to a new leader takes place.
Maduro appeared before a federal court judge in Manhattan on Monday, where he pled “not guilty” on U.S. drug trafficking charges and added, “I am still president of my country,” the Associated Press reported.
Debate continues over the intent of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, who will run the country, and whether Maduro’s removal was for the purposes of ceasing the traffic of illegal drugs into the U.S. or to take control of oil reserves within the region.
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