Faith
Sudanese Christians Blocked from Worship by Authorities
Faith Facts
- Sudanese officials are hindering a Coptic church’s rebuilding in Wad Diab Al Gaba through permit delays.
- The congregation of about 350 believers has worshiped at this location for 30 years, but faced forced closure after extremists intervened.
- The ongoing civil war has increased danger for Christians, as many are left without safe places to gather and worship.
In Sudan, Coptic Christians are prevented from finishing and using their church in Wad Diab Al Gaba due to bureaucratic obstacles. Though they have worshiped on the same property for decades, authorities halted church activities and delayed necessary permits after a complaint by extremists.
This reflects a broader pattern where officials enable mosque construction but restrict Christian churches, threatening religious liberty. Amid war, Christians are especially vulnerable, with many unable to safely assemble for prayer or rebuild lost sanctuaries.
“We urge the authority in Northern State, Sudan to grant this church the necessary permits to enable them to continue worshipping peaceably and to complete the reconstruction of their place of worship.”
“This community of 65 families has used the church for 30 years and is now left without a place to gather safely, which violates their right to freedom of religion or belief as guaranteed by the constitution and Sudan’s international obligations.”
Christian believers must stand together in prayer and advocacy, championing freedom of worship and upholding God-given rights in every nation. Let us encourage our global brothers and sisters by raising awareness and urging leaders to defend religious liberty.