President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir |
Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, has proclaimed the country's next constitution will be "100% Islamic" to set an example for neighbouring countries. The President's formal statement on July 7 comes amid significant shifts in North African countries where Islamist parties are gaining influence and positions of power.
He said, "We want to present a constitution that serves as a template to those around us. And our template is clear, a 100% Islamic constitution, without communism or secularism or Western [influences]."
Shariah, or Islamic law, is already in force in Sudan, which is 98% Muslim, but the president seems intent on formalizing its authority and enforcing it more strictly, making the position of the Christian minority increasingly vulnerable following the secession of the largely Christian South Sudan last year (for more, click here).
Please pray that al-Bashir's plans will be thwarted and that Christians in Sudan will be able to worship Jesus Christ in freedom. Pray that Christians in Sudan and South Sudan will be faithful to God, despite opposition. Pray that the Lord will make Sudanese Christians strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-20).
For more information on the trials Christians face in Sudan, go to the Sudan Country Report.