The ELCIC joins with The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and stands in solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Venezuela and with the communities affected by the situation in the country that has been deteriorating for months. ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer offers the following prayer:
God most mighty, God most merciful, you are our refuge and strength. We come before you with heavy hearts, lifting up the people of Venezuela following the U.S. military action on January 3. Bring calm where there is fear, clarity where there is confusion, and restraint where there is anger or despair. We pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Venezuela and its Bishop, Gerardo A Hands Colmenares. Let the church be a living sign of your grace and a place of refuge, truth, accompaniment, and hope for all who suffer. Where systems oppress and voices are silenced, raise up pathways of accountability, reconcilliation and peace. Guide us all in the way of building peace built on justice, equality, and recognition of every human life as sacred. We entrust Venezuela, its people and your church into your loving hands, trusting not in our own strength but in your steadfast love made known in Jesus Christ, who is our peace, and whose name we pray. Amen.
To read the statement published by LWF on January 3, please click on the button below:
