LWF General Secretary Anne Burghardt has sent a letter to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Venezuela expressing solidarity and prayers for a peaceful transformation in the country. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
General Secretary Burghardt sends pastoral letter assuring Venezuelans of solidarity and prayers for peaceful transformation
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) expresses its “deep concern, compassion and unwavering solidarity” with the people of Venezuela. In a letter to Pastor Gerardo Hands, President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Venezuela, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt said the global communion of churches stands with Venezuelans following the recent military action of the United States of America.
In the letter, Burghardt says “we have witnessed with sorrow the immense hardships the Venezuelan people have endured for far too long, including an economic collapse, social and political turmoil and the resulting humanitarian and migration crises.”
Following the U.S. military action earlier this month, she says Venezuelans face new uncertainties, including deepened trauma and the loss of lives. “Our heart is with all who have lost their lives,” she adds. Dozens of people were reported to have been killed as U.S. troops seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife from a compound in Caracas on 3 January.
LWF continues to accompany the church in Venezuela in its witness and diaconal mission.
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt
In her letter, the LWF leader highlights concerns about “the long-term impact this might have in Venezuela, the region and even worldwide.” She calls for “a peaceful transformation” with decisions grounded in the rule of law, guaranteeing the human rights of all people, especially the most vulnerable.
Burghardt insists that the LWF “remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, peace and the dignity of all people,” continuing to accompany the church in Venezuela in its witness and diaconal mission. “Our solidarity with the Venezuelan people is firm and our prayers constant,” she says.
The General Secretary offered a prayer for all the people, leaders and communities of Venezuela, “and for all entrusted with authority – both local and international actors – that God may guide their hearts toward what is just and life-giving." She concludes: “May God sustain your strength and hope in these crucial days.”
