Church Building Destroyed While Authorities Watch

On July 8th, approximately 30 individuals equipped with heavy machinery demolished a Pentecostal church in the El Haj Yousif area of Khartoum as police officers and military personnel looked on without intervening. By the time the demolition was finished, the worship hall – which had been constructed in the early 1990s – was reduced to rubble, along with the church's administrative offices, guest house, and other adjoining buildings.

While police and military forces did not directly take part in the demolition, they allowed the destruction to proceed, prevented church members from interfering, and prohibited the recording of the event. In addition, the congregation was unable to save any items from within the buildings. Officials later informed church leaders that the demolition was part of an effort to remove "unregulated" buildings from the city.

Rafat Samir, a local church leader who serves as chairman of the Evangelical Community Council for Sudan, has warned that the future of Christianity is uncertain under the current rule of the country's armed forces. He believes that churches located outside the main cities are at risk of continued direct attacks, while those within the city centres may be further targeted through the military's allegedly "lawful" measures.

Since the onset of civil unrest, Christians within the country have experienced opposition from multiple fronts, and over 100 church buildings have reportedly been damaged or destroyed. The Sudanese authorities have made it clear that reconstruction won't be permitted without official authorization, and that such permits will not be issued to churches. For additional reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Sudan, visit our country profile.

• Following the recent loss of their place of worship, pray that the members of this demolished church in Khartoum will be granted wisdom, guidance and unity as they determine their next steps.
• Pray for God's divine ministry to take place within the hearts and minds of the Sudanese authorities, so that they would realize the importance of upholding justice so the country's Christians can peacefully worship Him – the Creator of our vast universe and beyond....
• Lift up all believers throughout Sudan, praying for the Lord's protection over their lives and church sanctuaries amid the political unrest and increased hostility from Islamic militants on all sides of the armed conflict.