Sudan Christians request prayer

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:
a. The rights of all Christians, particularly those in Northern Sudan, will
be respected
b. There will be an end to violence throughout Sudan
c. Church leaders will be guided by the Spirit as they exercise their
ministries at this time
d. The South will receive appropriate assistance to support those displaced
from Abyei, Darfur and other areas of conflict
e. The governments of North and South will rule justly for the benefit of
all citizens

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Web site: www.meconcern.org