Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: March 21, 2026
On 3 January 2026 the United States forcibly removed Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, in what many hoped would signify an end to the two successive authoritarian regimes (Chávez and Maduro).
However – despite the removal of Maduro – leaders in the Socialist Union of Venezuela Party (PSUV) remain entrenched in power in Venezuela. They are responsible for extensive violations of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.
All religious leaders, even those who benefit from government programs and other forms of preferential treatment, are under constant surveillance. Many now practice a form of self-censorship both publicly and privately out of concern that a government informant might be listening.
A pastor from Tumeremo reported:
‘It’s very common to see people we’ve never met before, listening carefully, taking some notes, some on their phones, others in small notepad.’
Another leader told us:
‘Those who offer forms of humanitarian aid are seen as a rival to the government in this regard. Religious organisations generally help people by providing food or medicine without discrimination… which the government sees as some form of competition [and] they hinder it. This can involve sending criminal groups or their own organised gangs against religious leaders, the expropriation of certain spaces, the expulsion of the church or ministry from the place they operate, or any other type of harassment.’
Please pray:
- For religious leaders working in remote or high risk regions, especially along the Colombia–Venezuela border, where illegal armed groups impose rules on churches and threaten pastors who don’t comply. Ask God to protect these leaders and make a way for them to continue their ministry safely.
- For clergy who’ve faced threats, intimidation or arrest for speaking out, including those prevented from travelling, placed under investigation, or publicly slandered by officials. Pray they’ll know God’s strength and comfort.
- Pray for healing and restoration across Venezuela, where years of repression, corruption and economic collapse have left communities exhausted and fearful. Ask God to bring renewed hope, and to open the way for genuine reforms that protect human rights and allow all people to live and worship freely.