Posted on 25^th June 2012

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Head of the Church

In April we requested prayer following a series of attacks on church property in Khartoum. We regret to report that there have been further problems.

In mid-April several churches were informed that their buildings would be demolished due to the lack of structural integrity. Church leaders were later informally notified that the orders would not be carried out.

However, on 18^th June St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Hay Yousif district of Khartoum was demolished by local government officials. Most of the church’s property was destroyed. The authorities stated the building was demolished because it had no official permit. However, the church authorities argued that this was due to unjust delays by the government since the building first opened in 1989. The demolition of St. John’s has raised concerns that the other churches will also be destroyed.

Earlier in June the authorities threatened to occupy and close a Catholic church. This action was prevented when the congregation occupied the building.

Reportedly, a number of Church-operated schools have been forced to close and threatened with demolition. The authorities claim that there is a reduced need for Christian-operated schools because many people of South Sudanese origin (many of them Christians) having left Sudan. Christian leaders believe that these schools continue to meet a clear need.

In another development, the offices of the Sudan Council of Churches and Sudan Aid in Nyala were forced to close.

Sudanese Christians request our prayers that:

a.      The government will allow all Church property to continue being used for its intended purposes

b.      Church leaders will know the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom at this time

c.       Christians in Khartoum will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus, and His enabling to live without fear

d.      All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.

May be circulated to general mailing lists, outside organizations, and quoted from freely in reports citing “Middle East Concern” as the source of the information.