The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas denounce the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the removal of that country’s President Nicolas Maduro, acts in clear violation of U.S. and international law.
We join our sisters in Latin America who have expressed their “strongest repudiation of this illegal and inhumane action.”
This intervention, in total disrespect for the sovereignty of another nation, sets a dangerous precedent for military action in the region and around the world, for any leader seeking to take control of another country’s land or resources.
President Donald Trump quickly abandoned the earlier pretense for the attacks, and brazenly admitted the United States intends to “run Venezuela” and gain control of that country’s vast oil reserves and other natural resources.
This action is about plundering the earth, not caring for the people of Venezuela.
We, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, have a commitment to care for the Earth, and engage in advocacy about the harm of extractive industries. Drilling for oil and other exploitation of natural resources damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and devastate the health and well-being of local communities, while benefiting the privileged few.
As our sisters in Latin America have said: “once again, imperialist politics … lead to the invasion of another nation through pretexts believed by a few.”
For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every kind of evil done. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, tolerant, open to reason, full of mercy and produces good; it is not judgmental, and it does not conceal. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace and produces peace. (James 3:13-18)