Venezuela

In a world often governed by force, Quakers have stood apart for centuries with a radical commitment to peace. But this isn’t just a political stance; it is a spiritual practice that challenges us to see the Divine in everyone—even our enemies. This week, we dive into the history of the Peace Testimony and explore how its living wisdom can guide us through modern conflict.

By restoring real investments in peacebuilding, Congress can and must “repair this damage and chart a new way forward—one that recognizes that true security is built on the foundations of peace and justice” – not by decree of the powerful.

Archbishop Óscar Romero once said, “Let us not grow tired of preaching love, for this is the force that will overcome the world.” In great contradiction, earlier this month, while responding to questions about the United States’ illegal, immoral and imperial military takeover of Venezuela, Trump aide Stephen Miller explained the worldview guiding the administration: “We live in a world, in the real world … that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power.” He added, “These are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time.”

Nine days into the new year, we’ve been saddened and alarmed by the Trump administration’s escalating violence at home and abroad – from the attack on Venezuela to the horrifying ICE killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis (more on that below).

But we were also heartened that people across the country, and our lawmakers in Congress, are pushing back.

Washington, D.C. – The Friends Committee on National Legislation applauds today’s vote in the Senate to advance a bipartisan war powers resolution, S.J.Res.98, to direct the removal of U.S. troops from hostilities in or against Venezuela.

Hartford Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) strongly condemns the United States’ use of military force to sink boats and kill individuals along the coasts of Venezuela and Columbia.

How has the Trump administration justified the invasion of Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife?

“We have had the violation of international law, the U.N. charter, the violation of the territorial integrity of Venezuela, and the kidnapping of a sitting head of state, without going to Congress, without telling Congress beforehand,” said Heather Brandon-Smith, the legislative director of foreign policy for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Everything here is extraordinarily illegal, and Congress has a mechanism to stop it through voting for these war powers resolutions.”

IT IS A fundamental concept of justice that someone suspected of a crime should receive due process: Knowledge of their alleged offense. The ability to plead their case. A fair trial.