Adventist Church in Guatemala Calls for Peace as Violence Shakes the Country

Church leaders express condolences after deadly prison unrest and coordinated attacks prompt a nationwide state of emergency.

January 19, 2026 | Guatemala City, Guatemala | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guatemala expressed deep condolences and called for peace following reports of violent incidents inside a Guatemalan prison and coordinated attacks on police stations that have left several people dead and prompted the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency, according to national news outlets.

In response, the government suspended certain constitutional guarantees and enacted emergency measures to restore order and protect the public, with schools across the country closing for the week.

In a public statement posted on Facebook on Jan. 18, the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed solidarity with victims’ families and urged the nation to seek peace and unity amid growing uncertainty.

[Photo: Gustavo Menéndez/IAD]

“We deeply regret the loss of valuable lives and extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to all families who today face the pain of losing their loved ones,” said Pastor Gustavo Menéndez, communication director of the Guatemala Union. “We are praying that God will be their refuge and strength in these moments of great sorrow.”

President of the Guatemala Union Pastor Guenther García also urged church members to remain spiritually grounded and continue their daily responsibilities with confidence in God’s care.

“We want to call everyone to remain at peace and stay in communion with the Lord,” García said. “In moments of uncertainty and fear, we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and continue with our daily tasks, knowing that God watches over us in difficult times. God is in our midst, and we must hold on to Him to find peace and calm amid chaos.”

State of Emergency Brings Temporary Restrictions

Menéndez explained that the state of emergency allows security forces to carry out searches without prior warrants, restricts public gatherings, and suspends certain civil guarantees in an effort to stabilize the situation.

“Because of the coordinated attacks on police stations in the capital and the takeover of prisons, constitutional guarantees have been suspended,” Menéndez said. “This is an exceptional situation where certain rights are temporarily limited in order to protect the safety of the population.”

He added that while churches are continuing to meet in small congregational settings, public and large-scale religious gatherings have been suspended in compliance with government directives mostly in the capital city.

Call for Peace and Community Support

Church leaders encouraged members and citizens to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and intensify prayers for peace and protection throughout the country.

“We call on our church members and all citizens to be agents of peace and to let love and compassion prevail over violence,” Menéndez said. “Our nation needs healing, and we believe prayer and solidarity are essential during this time.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church reaffirmed its hope in God’s promise of restoration and urged communities to support those affected as the country navigates the current situation.

More than 200,000 Seventh-day Adventists worship in 1,423 churches and congregations organized across eight conferences and missions in Guatemala, where the church also operates 27 primary and secondary schools and a nationwide radio station.

Gustavo Menéndez contributed information to this report.