Bending the Arc

CSA is a member organization in the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) stands with all people whose lives are threatened by violence, war, and hatred. Rooted in our faith, we profess our unwavering belief in the dignity, value, and rights of every human person and our commitment to the sacredness of human life.

With deep concern for the people of Venezuela, LCWR stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of the Confederation of Latin American Religious (CLAR) and with the consistent teaching of the Church in opposing the use of military force as a means of resolving political and democratic crises. Violence and war do not bring peace; they deepen suffering, destabilize nations, and place the most vulnerable at greatest risk.

We affirm the power of dialogue, negotiation, and diplomacy over military action. We call upon the United States Congress to exercise its constitutional and moral responsibility to address any use of force that violates our shared commitment to protect and promote human life and the common good.

We urge the Administration and all members of Congress to cease any military involvement in Venezuela and to support international efforts that foster fair elections, a peaceful transfer of power, and conditions in which democracy can truly flourish. The people of Venezuela deserve the freedom to determine their own future without coercion, violence, or external domination. We recognize that these same threats endanger other countries throughout Latin America, and we affirm our solidarity with all peoples whose sovereignty, dignity, and democratic aspirations are placed at risk by similar forces.

We also call upon people of faith to commit themselves to prayer for the people of Venezuela and for the discernment of global leaders, that decisions may be guided by wisdom, restraint, respect for human life, and a genuine concern for the common good.

As we are reminded in LCWR’s Response to These Times, this moment calls us to be women who remain informed, who listen deeply to all voices, and who engage in serious and prayerful discernment. We refuse to contribute to hatred, fear, division, or violence. Instead, we claim our moral authority as bearers of love and as people of hope, trusting that faithful action grounded in compassion and courage can shape a future worthy of our shared humanity.

ACTION STEPS

As women committed to discernment and faithful action, we also encourage you to consider the following action steps, offered as concrete ways to stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and to witness to Gospel values in this critical moment:

1. Support Local Efforts
   Identify organizations in your local community that are supporting Venezuelans in the United States. Your local Catholic Charities office may be a helpful place to begin.
2. Stay Informed
   Commit time each day to reading or listening to reputable news sources so that you are well informed and able to engage thoughtfully in conversation, advocacy, and decision-making. Deep listening and careful discernment are essential to our moral witness.

3. Advocate with Congress
   Write to your members of Congress to express your concerns about:

   • Appropriations for military action
   • The humanitarian crisis resulting from misuse of power
   • The overreach of the executive branch in authorizing force without congressional approval

   The current federal budget has only been approved through January 30, making this a particularly critical time to communicate with the legislative branch. 

4. Pray Publicly and Communally
   Look for opportunities to participate in or organize prayer vigils on behalf of the Venezuelan people. You are also invited to join LCWR congregations participating in 100 Days of Prayer and Advocacy, continuing through Sunday, January 11.
5. Join the LCWR 24-Hour Prayer Vigil
   Consider joining the 24-Hour LCWR Prayer Vigil on Monday, January 19, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Together we will pray for nonviolent responses to aggression in our world—and within our own hearts.
   Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88345486734 

Additional Resource

Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns offers timely background and advocacy tools:
https://maryknollogc.org/action/take-action-to-stop-a-war-on-venezuela/ 

As we reflected in LCWR’s Response to These Times, this moment calls us to remain informed, to listen deeply, and to engage in serious discernment — so that our choices do not contribute to fear, division, or violence, but instead witness to hope, love, and moral courage for the sake of the world."