Anasha Green

Venezuela and the United States have been in connection for many years through the exporting of oil to the US from Venezuela. However, relations have not always been peaceful between the two countries. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has repeatedly shown his dislike for the United States through threatening to stop exportation of oil to the United States, and by calling our leaders “devils”. This rocky relationship between President Hugo Chavez and American evangelical groups stationed in Venezuela stems from the disdain Hugo Chavez has for the United States’ continuous intervention in the affairs of the country.

For many years, the United States has exercised its ability to enter foreign countries and try to solve its problems. One of the most common examples of this intervention is the numerous evangelical groups that originate in the United States that go to other countries to do work. Normally, intrusion such as this into another country would be deemed as unacceptable, yet because these groups come in the name of religion, it becomes acceptable. Even when a country speaks against evangelical groups intruding on their privacy, supporters of these groups use doctrines instituted by the United States to justify their entrance into foreign countries. In 2005, evangelic preacher Pat Robertson made several claims regarding Venezuela, one of which pertained to the right of the United States to enter foreign lands, not simply to evangelize, but to also interfere with politics. He stated that “[Venezuela] is in our sphere of influence… we have the Monroe Doctrine, we have other doctrines that we have announced. And without question, [Hugo Chavez is a dangerous enemy to our south… we have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability” (Robertson Called for the Assassination of Venezuela's President). This is an example of evangelistic leaders interfering with not only the social life of a foreign country, but the political life as well.

While most leaders accept the intervention of evangelical groups into their countries, others view these missionary groups as enemies. Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela is an adamant believer that evangelical groups will bring his terms as president to an end. This is not because of the religion of these groups, but because of their constant intrusions. In October of 2005, a mere two months after the statements were made by Pat Robertson, Chavez issued a statement that “The New Tribes [missionary group] are leaving Venezuela” (BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez Moves against US Preachers). This decision, according to Chavez was because the New Tribes constantly “…flew in and out of the country without proper permission from the authorities” (BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez Moves against US Preachers). This was a concern to Chavez because he believes that “…American evangelicals are part of a broader conspiracy in Washington to topple [him because his] regional influence is growing thanks to massive oil revenues…” (BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez Moves against US Preachers). Chavez believes that the American government is using innocent means such as evangelical groups who benefit Venezuela to try and decrease his influence on the people of the area. There is no doubt that statements such as the ones made by evangelical Pat Robertson have influenced Chavez’ view of both American evangelicals and American politics.

As a result of the conflict between Chavez and evangelical groups, one of the major evangelical groups was expelled from the country. The New Tribes Mission is an evangelical group that visits the indigenous people of various countries who would otherwise not receive the message of the Christian gospel. In these communities, the New Tribes Mission members establish churches and build homes to help the people in that community. As a result of the expulsion of the New Tribes from Venezuela, the Christian message can no longer reach people in such isolated areas. Although this will not affect the majority of the Venezuelan population, there is definitely a group of Venezuelans who will lose the Christian influence.

For many years, the United States and private organizations within its country have practiced their ability to enter foreign countries and intervene in their affairs. People like evangelical preacher Pat Robertson believe they have the right not only to intervene in foreign social affairs, but political affairs as well. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has a long-time bitter relationship with America because of the mindset that many Americans such as Pat Robertson possess. Because of this mindset, Chavez drove out an evangelical Christian group, the New Tribes Mission on accusations that they had joined with the CIA to gather information in order to take Chavez out of power. Because this group is no longer in the country spreading the gospel, the influence of Christianity has decreased in the country.

Works Cited

"About Us." New Tribes Mission. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://usa.ntm.org/about/>.

"BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez Moves against US Preachers." BBC News - Home. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4336660.stm>.

"Robertson Called for the Assassination of Venezuela's President." Media Matters for America. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200508220006>.

"Venezuela to Expel New Tribes Mission | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction." ChristianityToday.com | Magazines, News, Church Leadership & Bible Study. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/octoberweb-only/53.0a.html>.