This Wednesday, December 3, interfaith and community leaders and elected officials from New York will hold a peace vigil in Brooklyn to demand that the United States find a diplomatic solution in Venezuela, in the face of the growing threat from the Donald Trump Administration to carry out a military intervention in the South American nation.
The action, which will take place this Wednesday, echoes the urgent calls of the Vatican, the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches, which advocate for dialogue between the tenant of the White House and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The organizers denounce reports of US military attacks that killed more than 80 people, added to the continued US military deployment in the Caribbean Sea, a few kilometers from the Venezuelan coast. Operations that have been classified by Governments and experts as extrajudicial executions and violations of international law.
Religious and community leaders emphasize the need for diplomacy to prevent further loss of innocent Venezuelan life, the potential loss of American life, and the destruction of vital infrastructure if the Trump administration engages in a war not authorized by the US Congress.
The vigil for peace in Venezuela, which will include prayers and speeches from religious leaders, will be held this December 3, 2025, at 07:00 pm EST (20:00 pm Venezuela time), at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 416 46th St., Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York. Ambassador Samuel Moncada, permanent representative of Venezuela to the United Nations, has been invited to give a speech. The Church will broadcast the vigil live through its Facebook page.
“We are witnessing a march toward war, but as people of faith, we must march for peace,” declared the Rev. Dr. Samuel Cruz of Trinity Lutheran Church, who is organizing the event. Bishop Rey Rivera, founder of the Center for Latino Pastoral Action in the Bronx, added that “the use of military force, before exhausting all diplomatic avenues, violates our deepest moral principles and international law.”
For his part, the Reverend Dr. Eli Valentín, pastor of the Pasión Center, stressed that “every life lost in this escalating conflict is a tragedy.” The Rev. Dr. Derrick Boykin, executive pastor of Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx, evoked the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who criticized American militarism.
More actions against war
Under the slogan “No to the war against Venezuela!”, the Answer coalition called for a day of protests for next Saturday, December 6 in at least seven cities in the United States. The mobilization seeks to stop what they describe as a “large-scale regime change” operation in Venezuela that is being prepared by the Trump Administration.
The organizers highlight the urgency of acting now, pointing out that the tenant of the White House promised ground attacks “very soon”, illegally ordered the closure of Venezuelan airspace, an action they consider a clear sign of a military escalation.
In addition, they denounce that a declaration of war or a congressional authorization for the use of force is being unconstitutionally ignored, all while using “strange and twisted” pretexts about alleged drug trafficking, without providing evidence.
The Answer Coalition emphasizes that, despite Washington’s rhetoric, 70 percent of the American population opposes military intervention, and that the entire world views these actions as clearly illegal.
Lawmakers seek to prevent military action
In parallel, a bipartisan group of US congressmen announced this Tuesday the presentation of a new resolution to force a vote in Congress, in order to block any military action by the Trump Administration in Venezuela.
Lawmakers, including Democrats Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer and Adam Schiff, along with Republican Rand Paul, called a possible military intervention in Venezuela “a colossal and costly mistake that would unnecessarily endanger the lives of our military.” This stance highlights widespread concern about the implications of conflict in the region and evidences growing alarm within Trump’s own party.
Additionally, Representatives Jim McGovern, Joaquín Castro (both Democrats) and Thomas Massie (Republican) presented their own resolution in the House. This measure seeks to prevent hostilities without prior authorization from Congress, reaffirming the constitutional role of the legislative branch in war decisions.
The congressmen warned that, if an attack occurs, the “War Powers Resolution” will be used to begin a debate and vote to prevent the use of armed forces in the South American country. This legislative initiative arises in a context of intense military activity and growing threats against the Government of President Nicolás Maduro.
