Sudan

A Sudanese boy carrying a crucifixMake or break for Sudan’s beleaguered Christians

Over the next 18 months it may be make or break for Sudan as it hold its long awaited elections, which were originally scheduled to happen in 2009. Stability in the country is still very fragile, with ongoing conflict in Darfur, in the west, and attacks by militia groups across the country.

The outcome of the elections could be the difference between disaster and a long-awaited better life for Christians in the country.

But the election is not the only cause of concern. The threat of renewed conflict has been heightened by tensions surrounding a forthcoming referendum over the independence of the oil-rich south of the country.

In the national capital Khartoum, in the north, hundreds of thousands still live in displacement camps, where they fled from the south of the country during the 1983-2005 civil war.

And in the north the imposition of the Islamic Shari‘a law is causing difficulties – Muslim women are not allowed to marry Christians and alcohol is forbidden. In theory those who breach some of these laws can have limbs cut off.

Pupils at Holy Spirit Save the Saveable School in Khartoum, SudanFirst day back at school for pupils at Holy Spirit Save the Saveable School in Khartoum, SudanPaulino Jukes, a teacher at a Save the Saveable school in Sudan. He was a pupil at the schools when he was youngPrayer and Hope: Children from Saint Teresa's School, Torit

Pupils at Holy Spirit Save the Saveable School in Khartoum, Sudan

First day back at school for pupils at Holy Spirit Save the Saveable School in Khartoum, Sudan

Paulino Jukes, a teacher at a Save the Saveable school in Sudan. He was a pupil at the schools when he was young

Prayer and Hope: Children from Saint Teresa's School, Torit

Ban on apostasy

But the biggest problem facing the Church in the north is the strict ban on apostasy – leaving the Islamic religion – as offences of this kind can carry the death penalty.

It puts Christians at grave risk of being accused of encouraging Muslims to abandon their faith, so the Church has had to scale back its activities to make sure that it cannot be accused of encouraging conversion.

Communion at Mass in Sudan's outdoor 'Green Cathedral'However, there are small signs of hope.

For 30 years the state refused all permissions for the construction of churches – but a breakthrough has come and finally the Ministry for Planning and Public Property has approved the erection of three church buildings near Khartoum. These churches are vital as others that were built without planning permission have been pulled down or partially destroyed.

Your support for Christians in Sudan

Sudan is a priority country for Aid to the Church in Need. The help you are offering to the country’s suffering Christians includes:

  • Christian schools for displaced children – the Save the Saveable Schools, one of Aid to the Church in Need’s most important projects
  • Formation and training for seminarians and religious
  • Supporting the work of Sisters with the poor and disadvantaged
  • Building churches, chapels, presbyteries, convents and pastoral centres
  • Catechesis – teaching the Faith to all Christians
  • Transport – cars, motorbikes and bicycles – for priests, religious and catechists ministering to scattered congregations

Catechesis in SudanHow you can help

Please remember the people of Sudan in prayer – why not join us in praying the Angelus each day, or perhaps you would pray the Rosary.

You can also offer your support for Sudan’s suffering Christians by making a donation or offering a Mass stipend to help a poor priest.