CFR 3/31 Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Faith and Democracy in Venezuela

Why It Matters

Religious actors are becoming pivotal intermediaries in Venezuela’s contested political landscape, shaping both domestic resistance and international policy responses. Their involvement signals a potential avenue for advancing human rights and democratic reforms in a deeply polarized environment.

Key Takeaways

• Religious leaders mobilize grassroots support against authoritarianism
• Churches provide humanitarian aid amid economic collapse
• Faith groups lobby for free, fair elections
• Clergy amplify human‑rights violations to global audience
• CFR webinar informs U.S. policymakers on faith‑based diplomacy

Pulse Analysis

Religious institutions have long held sway in Latin America, and Venezuela is no exception. In the current crisis, churches and faith‑based NGOs are stepping beyond spiritual guidance to become de‑facto civil society actors. By organizing community relief, documenting abuses, and offering platforms for dissent, they fill gaps left by a crippled state apparatus. This dual role amplifies their credibility both domestically and abroad, positioning them as trusted messengers in a media environment dominated by state propaganda.

The webinar underscored how faith‑based advocacy can influence human‑rights outcomes. Bishop‑elect Antonio Gallardo emphasized that religious rhetoric—centered on dignity, justice, and the common good—resonates with international donors and multilateral bodies. Such framing has already attracted increased humanitarian funding and pressure from foreign governments urging Venezuela toward democratic norms. Simultaneously, Laura Cristina Dib highlighted the risks: religious leaders face harassment, imprisonment, or co‑optation by political factions, which can undermine their moral authority.

For U.S. and allied policymakers, understanding the intersection of religion and politics in Venezuela offers a strategic lever. Engaging with credible faith leaders can facilitate back‑channel diplomacy, support civil‑society resilience, and inform targeted sanctions that spare humanitarian actors. As the CFR panel concluded, leveraging the moral capital of Venezuelan religious communities may prove essential for advancing democratic transition and safeguarding human rights in the region.

Original Description

Laura Cristina Dib, Venezuela program director at the Washington Office on Latin America, and Antonio Gallardo, bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, discuss how religious communities, leaders, and institutions are shaping public discourse around the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, as well as the broader implications for human rights and democratic governance in the country. Roxanna Vigil, international affairs fellow in national security at CFR, moderates the discussion.

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