Pastoral Response on Venezuela
Resolution text
Whereas, the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City, Oklahoma, heard, on the afternoon of Friday, February 22, the moving personal stories of two survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing, which took place on April 19, 1995, in which both Susan Urbach and Dianne Dooley gave witness to the fundamental importance of messages of solidarity received from around the world in the aftermath of that fateful day, messages of life-giving hope and light even in the midst of the dark days of sorrow, grief and struggle, which gave knowledge that “we were not alone,” and
Whereas, the people of Venezuela find themselves walking through the shadows of struggle, living through distressingly difficult times, facing challenges in their daily lives to the availability of basic necessities such as food, clean water, medical care, and personal safety, and
Whereas, these physical trials are compounded by spiritual challenges that arise as men, women, and children seek meaning and purpose while surrounded by physical and emotional burdens of each day, and
Whereas, while the Psalmist reminds us that, “…even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…,” it is the solidarity of Christian community that holds out hope and life to all who feel separated, bereft, and forgotten, and
Whereas, “We remain steadfast in our prayerful advocacy for a peaceful resolution of the crisis facing our siblings in Christ in the Diocese of Venezuela and urge continued support for those seeking protection in neighboring countries,”1 therefore be it
Resolved, That the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on Sunday, February 24, 2019, expresses its deepest concern regarding the humanitarian and political crisis affecting Venezuela and sends greetings to our brothers and sisters, our siblings, in the Diocese of Venezuela, assuring them that they are not alone, that we remember them and are praying daily for their safety and well-being, and that we reach out to them in love and affection, even as we seek ways to bring peace and security to them, their families, and their churches.
1. In the final “Whereas,” the quote is taken from the statement from The Episcopal Church on the Diocese of Venezuela.