Episcopal Church Statement on U.S. Intervention in Venezuela![]()
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The people of The Episcopal Church offer prayers for our beloved siblings in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela, and for people across the region following this morning’s U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro. ![]()
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Episcopalians in Venezuela carry out vital ministries in increasingly challenging conditions, and we fear for their well-being and their church community if these military interventions, and any form of U.S. occupation, lead to more instability and violence. Episcopal Church Center staff have spoken with and offered support to the Rt. Rev. Cristobal León Lozano, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ecuador Litoral and bishop provisional of Venezuela; the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and president of Province IX; and to standing committee leadership. ![]()
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The Episcopal Church’s General Convention has long-standing policy that “condemn[s] in any nation the first use of armed force in the form of a preventive or pre-emptive strike that is aimed at disrupting a non-imminent, uncertain military threat.” Even as we recognize that intervention in sovereign states can sometimes be necessary to prevent atrocities, we discourage “the abuse of this norm to rationalize military actions in sovereign states for political ends.” ![]()
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We urge Congress to call for an investigation and accountability for this most recent unauthorized operation, as well as the related military actions carried out in recent months. We urge all regional parties to support a peaceful transition that respects the rule of law and the will of the Venezuelan people. Join us in praying for our siblings in the Diocese of Venezuela and the Venezuelan people. ![]()
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A very blessed 2026 to all of you, and join us on the eleventh day of Christmas, the second Sunday after Christmas. ![]()
Click here for this week's eNews: - mailchi.mp/orcasepiscopal/january-4-2026
BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR!![]()
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God of new beginnings,![]()
you wipe away our tears![]()
and call us to care for one another.![]()
Give us eyes to see your gifts,![]()
hearts to embrace all creation,![]()
and hands to serve you every day of our lives.![]()
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.![]()
(Revised Common Lectionary Prayers)