KHARTOUM, Sudan — Security agents in Sudan padlocked a 500-member church’s building Aug. 24 said Christian sources, who fear the government may try to sell it.
In the latest incident in a nearly two-year wave of church demolitions, closures and confiscations Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) forcibly closed the Sudan Pentecostal Church (SPC) church building in Khartoum that houses the Khartoum Christian Center (KCC).
“The church is concerned that the building might be sold by the government, which renders more than 500 worshippers to have no place for worship,” an anonymous source said.
“The government has made it clear that no member or church leader is allowed to worship at the SPC building until further notification,” the source said.
Though the government has stated the closure is temporary, officials have given no timeline. The government said it is closing the church building because it was originally designated as office space.
The church has a deed showing it owns the building and property, raising the question of the government’s right to sell it. NISS had initially closed the church Aug. 13 but later reopened it.
One of the sources said that with God all things are possible and that the church needs intervention and advocacy in the face of the violation of freedom of worship.
“As we firstly rely on our Lord’s grace and protection that His name will be glorified through this tribulation the SPC is passing through, we also urge you to send this message to wherever you see it’s convenient for help,” the source said.
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