The Russian Orthodox Church supported the World Council of Churches' condemnation of US actions in Venezuela

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) expressed full solidarity with the position of the World Council of Churches (WCC) on the situation in Venezuela. It is reported that the WCC issued a statement condemning the alleged US attacks in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, calling these actions a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous precedent.

Thestatement by the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Pastor Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, was released on January 3, 2026. The document emphasizes that «the attacks carried out by the United States in Venezuela and the capture and detention of President Maduro and his wife are strikingly egregious violations of international law.» It is noted that such actions set a dangerous precedent by encouraging the use of military aggression and brute force to achieve political goals.

The World Council of Churches called for an immediate end to the attacks, respect for the principles of international law and the sovereignty of states. The WCC insists on resolving disputes exclusively through dialog and diplomacy, rejecting armed violence. In addition, the organization appealed to the UN and the Organization of American States to take immediate measures to ensure compliance with the statutes and conventions by all their members. The statement concluded with an appeal to wise and courageous leaders who advocate peace rather than escalation of conflicts, and quoted Scripture: «Dodge evil and do good; seek peace and follow it» (Psalm 33:15).

The Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate officially confirmed that the Russian Orthodox Church fully shares and supports the position expressed by the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches on the current situation in Venezuela.

Earlier, on the eve of the New Year, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia urged believers to pray for good changes in Ukraine, which would contribute to the strengthening of Orthodoxy, the unity of the Russian Church and the prosperity of the Ukrainian people.