Islamic Fighters Attack Sudan Church, Injuring Several

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

KHARTOUM (Worthy News) – Christians in Islamic-ruled Sudan were recovering from their injuries on Thursday after Muslim fighters reportedly attacked a church service in the nation’s Al Jazirah state with 14 Christians.

Militants of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raided the gathering in the town of Al Hasaheisa in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state on Monday, December 30, Christians said.

In published remarks, church Secretary Joseph Suliman said some 177 Christians of the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) were praying and fasting for the end of the military strife in Sudan.

Mina Joseph, the 18-year-old daughter of a church elder, was among those who sustained serious injuries and were in critical condition, Suliman told Christian News agency Morning Star News (MSN).

The RSF also destroyed tables and chairs in the worship building in the 10 a.m. local time assault, Christians told Worthy News.

The RSF, which controls the area, has prevented the church members and other Christians from leaving the area, according to Christian sources.

“They have attempted to flee the area several times, but they were prevented by RSF,” Suliman confirmed.

POWER STRUGGLE

The crisis comes amid a power struggle between Sudan’s official National Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

More than 9,000 people have been killed and nearly 6 million displaced in a conflict that also impacts churches, according to advocacy group Open Doors.

“More than 165 churches have closed, and others have been destroyed. Churches have also reported human rights violations such as rape, kidnap, and looting,” the group.

Open Doors ranks Sudan 8th in the annual World Watch List of 50 nations, where it says Christians face the most persecution for their faith. “More immediately, those who convert to Christianity from Muslim backgrounds continue to face huge dangers,” it added.

“Some will even refrain from telling their children about Jesus, for fear they may inadvertently disclose their parents’ faith to the local community.”

It has led to” long-term concerns that the conflict will give Islamic extremists a renewed foothold in the country, the reforms made by the transitional civilian government, Open Doors warned.

Reforms, including “more freedom to Christians, including abolishing the apostasy law and removing Islam as the state religion,” are once again under threat, the group explained.

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