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Originally posted on 10th June 2011 Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace
Sudanese Christians request our continued prayer as the North and South become separate countries on 9th July. There are several specific issues to pray for.
First, the government in the North has stated its intention to
implement Shari’a more strictly, potentially reducing the limited
freedoms given to Christians and other non-Muslims. Churches in the
North are concerned about the potential for further restrictions on
their freedom of worship. There continues to be lack of clarity on the
status to be given to Southerners living in the North, many of whom are
Christian. There is a fear that as many Christians leave, those
remaining will be in a more vulnerable position.
Second, the Sudan Council of Churches has decided to remain as one
institution covering both countries. The two largest churches, i.e. the
Roman Catholic Church and Episcopal Church of Sudan, have likewise
decided each to remain as a single province, covering both countries.
They request our prayers as they adapt to operating under two legal
systems.
Third, the North-South border remains disputed at several points. A
referendum should have been conducted in the province of Abyei on
whether it will remain within the North or join the South. However, the
referendum has been postponed indefinitely. Last month Northern forces
asserted control following an ambush in which Northern personnel were
killed by the South’s army. The Government of South Sudan has stated
that it will avoid further military confrontation over Abyei. There have
been violent clashes in other provinces along the North-South border,
notably South Kordofan, and also an increase in violence in Darfur in
western Sudan. The violence in Abyei, South Kordofan and Darfur has
caused the displacement of thousands of people to the South.
Sudanese Christians request our continued prayers that:
- The rights of all Christians, particularly those in Northern Sudan, will be respected
- There will be an end to violence throughout Sudan
- Church leaders will be guided by the Spirit as they exercise their ministries at this time
- The South will receive appropriate assistance to support those displaced from Abyei, Darfur and other areas of conflict
- The governments of North and South will rule justly for the benefit of all citizens
May be circulated to general mailing lists and quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information
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