The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed its support for the statement issued by the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Jerry Pillay, regarding the recent developments in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
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 here the full statement:
The attacks conducted by the United States of America in Venezuela and the capture and detention of President Maduro and his wife are stunningly flagrant violations of international law. 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.
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, for the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than by armed violence, and for the United Nations and the Organization of American States to take swift action to ensure all members respect the relevant charters and conventions. 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 risking a deeper descent into chaos. We pray for wisdom and peace to prevail in this context and in other parts of the world.
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
Psalm 34:14
