In Sudan, a Coptic church community is facing significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their place of worship. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that local authorities are hindering the church’s efforts to reconstruct and utilize their building.
For 30 years, the Coptic Community in Wad Diab Al Gaba gathered in a building owned by Zaki Wanees Abadeer, a fellow believer. After a severe rainstorm in 2019 caused substantial damage to the structure, the congregation of approximately 350 members decided to rebuild with more durable materials.
Progress was made through fundraising and construction, nearing completion by the end of the previous year. However, the project faced unexpected obstacles when a group of Muslim extremists lodged a complaint with local authorities, prompting a halt in construction and worship activities pending the issuance of a proper building permit, which remains elusive.
CSW highlights a troubling pattern in Sudan, where authorities are accused of facilitating mosque construction while imposing administrative barriers on church establishments.
The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has seen places of worship targeted by both conflicting parties. Even if the conflict were to cease, many Christians would still encounter significant difficulties in securing and developing places of worship.
Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s founder and president, stated, “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.”
He emphasized the community’s longstanding use of the church, noting, “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.”
Thomas further called for international assistance, urging global actors to ensure that religious freedom is a priority in any post-conflict reconstruction talks. He said, “We also call on the international community to ensure that any negotiations regarding post-conflict reconstruction include the needs of vulnerable religious communities who may have lost access to both registered and unregistered properties, and whose buildings may require comprehensive reconstruction.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
