The Problem

Sudan

Leader: President Omar al-Bashir
Population: 41.5 million (2 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
Source of Persecution: Islamic extremism/Dictatorial paranoia
World Watch List Rank: 6

“They can burn our church buildings, but they cannot burn the church from our hearts!”
Sudanese Pastor

The basics

The president has repeatedly stated that Sudan is to be an Islamic state and that there should be no room for other religions since South Sudan, a Christian-majority country, declared independence. Sharia (Islamic law) is the foundation of Sudan’s legal system, and leaving Islam is punishable by death; Christians are afraid even to talk about their faith in case this is construed as an ‘act that encourages apostasy’.

When President al-Bashir wants to gain support his government will often use inflammatory language against the West – Christianity is seen as Western, so this has a knock-on effect on Sudanese Christians. Believers are afraid to share their faith with their children or Muslim neighbours. Some disguise their identity even after death, being buried in Muslim cemeteries. Many churches have been demolished, and church leaders have been arrested for speaking out against persecution. In the Nuba Mountains thousands of Christians have been killed and displaced as the government seeks to ethnically cleanse the region of minority groups.

The facts

• The government is supported by radical Islamists, and as such violence, murder and other threats to Christians often go unpunished.
• In October 2015 two churches were destroyed. One had existed for over 30 years until the government ordered it taken down for ‘development reasons’.
• In 2013 a law was passed stating that no new licenses for church buildings would be granted. Christianity is increasingly being outlawed.

Where is it?

Pray this…

Lord God,
You will build your church, even when the buildings it meets in are being destroyed. Take away fear from Christians in Sudan. Help them live boldy, so that people see their good deeds and glorify You. As churches close, help Christians find ways to meet, pray and act. Pour out Your Spirit so the underground church grows. Bring justice, so that Christians won’t be targeted. Bring peace and security. Turn hard hearts to You. All honour is Yours.
Amen.

Other things to pray for…

• For protection for secret believers, and for them to find fellowship with others they can trust
• For courage for believers to stay faithful to Christ in the face of pressure and attack.
• For the leaders of Sudan, that the Holy Spirit will change their hearts and use them to bring justice and peace to the country
• Churches face demolition and have been denied registration. Pray that Christians will still find ways to meet together
• For protection for Christians, especially those from Muslim backgrounds who face the most intense pressure.

Watch this…

More detailed info…

The good news: How we’re helping…

Through partnerships with the local church, Open Doors equips church leaders in Sudan for different aspects of ministry, supports community development, and provides practical assistance to persecuted Christians. This includes:

• Training
• Community development
• Practical assistance
• Trauma care to persecuted Christians.

Latest news and articles on Sudan…

Click the Sudan tag below for a list of the latest articles and news on the country…

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