Christianity in Sudan

Christianity in Sudan

Introduction

The issue of religion in Sudan has been caught up in what can only be described as a propaganda war, with claims being made that Christians were subject to violent persecution and were unable to worship within the country. (1) The reality is actually somewhat different. While Sudan is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, with Muslims making up well over 75 percent of the population, Christianity has deep roots within Sudan, some going back into antiquity. There are active Christian communities in both the north and south of the country. Christians make up 4 percent of the national population, and perhaps between 10-15 percent of the southern population.

The official position in respect of Christianity and freedom of worship within Sudan is clear. Article 24 of the 1998 Constitution of the Republic of the Sudan states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience and religion and the right to manifest and disseminate his religion or belief in teaching, practice or observance. No one shall be coerced to profess a faith in which he does not believe or perform rituals or worship that he does not voluntarily accept." Article 90 stipulates that the President of the Republic cannot issue decrees affecting freedom of religion. The Constitution also makes clear that there are no religious criteria for elected public office. This built on previous Constitutional decrees, which, while affirming that "Islam is the guiding religion for the overwhelming majority of the Sudanese people", stated that "revealed religions such as Christianity, or traditional religious beliefs may be freely adopted by anyone with no coercion in regards to beliefs and no restriction on religious observances. These principles are observed by the State and its laws". In northern Sudan Friday is the day of worship for Muslims; it is also a day off for Christians, who are also entitled to two hours off on Sunday to attend prayers. In southern Sudan, Sunday is the day of worship. In 1994, the present government repealed the 1962 Missionary Societies Act, legislation which had previously obliged missionary groups to obtain an annual licence for their activities. This decision was announced at a Muslim-Christian Religious Dialogue Conference held in October of that year.

Discussion

Sudanese Christians also play a full and active part, disproportionate to their numbers in society, in their country's political and social life. A distinguished Christian southern Sudanese academic, Professor Moses Machar, is Vice-President. A number of Christians are ministers within the Federal and state governments. The Rt Rev Bishop Gabriel Rorich, the Anglican bishop of Rumbek, served as a minister of state for foreign affairs for several years. Christians serve as ambassadors, judges and senior army and police officers. Dozens of Christians serve as members of the National Assembly. All ten of the governors of southern states within Sudan are Christians and Christians dominate within government structures in that part of the country.

Christian churches and denominations are well-established and well- represented in northern Sudan, and particularly ...