July 6 was an historic day in Sudan, as Sudan's National Assembly passed a new constitution, stepping back from full Islamic rule. John Garang, former head of the SPLM rebel movement in southern Sudan was also sworn in as vice-president on July 9, and he took leadership of the autonomous administration running the affairs of the predominantly Christian and animist southern region of Sudan.
For years Sudan suffered under the ravages of a civil war involving oil rights along with racial and religious differences between southern Sudan and the Muslim-controlled government. The civil war ended when peace talks finally brought a lasting peace accord in January 2005. Under the new constitution, Islam is recognized as the majority religion in the country, but notes the place of Christianity and traditional religions. Under the peace agreement, a referendum is to be held in six years to decide if southern Sudan will gain full independence.
Praise God for the progress that has been made in Sudan. Pray that religious freedom will be respected in all areas of the country and that Christians will be truly free to practice their faith. Pray for the leaders of Sudan, as they lay out the course for their country in the coming days.
For more information on the difficulties Christians have been facing in Sudan, click here.
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