Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: October 15, 2022
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
You may remember that in early August, we asked you to pray for a case in Sudan involving Badar Haroun Abdul-Jabbar, Mohamed Haroun Abdul-Jabbar, Tariq Aref Abdallah and Mortada Ismael Yousef. These four Christians were accused of apostasy (leaving a religion; in this case, Islam).
This week, join us in giving thanks that their case was thrown out by the prosecutor, and the four men are now free from all bail conditions. We are thankful for their freedom.
Yet these men should never have been arrested in the first place, as apostasy is no longer a criminal offence in Sudan, illustrating that the right to freedom of religion or belief is still curtailed under the military government since the 2021 coup.
You may also remember that in our previous prayer email, we highlighted the challenges of advocacy, and that our work is often ‘behind the scenes, persistent and hard-won.’
To that end, we are asking you to keep praying for Sudan.
Please continue to pray for…
- Badar Haroun Abdul-Jabbar, Mohamed Haroun Abdul-Jabbar, Tariq Aref Abdallah and Mortada Ismael Yousef. They were subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment during their arrest in June, as well as an agonising wait until their case was dismissed. Pray for their psychological wellbeing; that God will draw close to them now and always.
- Pray for the church they had formed, and three other churches in Zalingei town in Darfur. Despite receiving official authorisation prior to last year’s military coup, a number of churches in the region have decided to remain closed due to the threats and attacks they have received from extremists.
- Pray that these churches will re-open and be a beacon of hope within their communities free from harassment and persecution.
The numerous reports of churches closing in the last year are a stark illustration that freedom of religion or belief is under serious threat. Pray that this fundamental right will be respected by the government, and for Sudanese citizens to be able to follow a religion or belief of their choice without fear.
In summary, please pray:
- Give thanks that the case has been thrown out, and that these men will not face trial .
- For an investigation into the actions of officials and the inhumane treatment these men have endured. Pray that justice will be served.
- Finally, pray for the emergence of a government that will respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for peace to reign after decades of instability.