Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: January 16, 2021
‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.’ Romans 12:15
Scripture reminds us of the importance of recognising both the good and bad in life, and of being present to others – in their joy and in their sorrow alike. We should certainly celebrate and praise God when we see moments of victory; when we see people’s prayers answered.
But we must also recognise and lament the times of sorrow that others are forced to endure, expressing compassion through our presence and prayer. It’s in these times that we are called to pray yet more ardently to see God’s kingdom come on earth; to once again fix our eyes on God, confident that, for those who belong to him, there will one day be no more mourning – only eternal rejoicing.
In the past few months Sudan’s Christians have found cause for rejoicing and for mourning.
On 19 October 2020 a criminal court in Omdurman acquitted eight leaders from the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC), with all charges against them being dropped. The case initially began in 2017 when the denomination challenged the previous government for trying to impose an unelected leadership committee on the church. Although the initial case was dismissed in August 2018, it was reopened in July 2019 following an appeal. In October 2019 the church leaders were charged with criminal trespass and illegal possession of property, and it was only a year later that all the charges against the leaders were eventually dropped.
On 3 January 2021 a church belonging to the SCOC in Gezira State was burned down by a 13-year-old boy. An adult had instructed him to set fire to the building. A case has been filed against the boy, but the police have refused to charge the adult involved. The church has faced harassment from some local Muslims and from Sudanese authorities for many years.
Following intense opposition from Islamists, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has sadly halted the development of new school curricula. The proposed curricula would have seen all religions presented equally – a first for the country.
In summary, please pray:
- Thanking God for the acquittal of the eight church leaders.
- For comfort, protection and hope for members of the SCOC denomination – particularly for those whose church building has been destroyed.
- That those responsible for the destruction of the church would be held accountable.
- That everyone in Sudan would receive equal treatment before the law, and be free to practise their religion or belief of choice without fear.