Muslim extremists have sent text messages to at least ten church leaders in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. According to Christian sources in Khartoum, the messages threaten to target Christian leaders, buildings and institutions for terrorist acts. "We want this country to be a pure Islamic state, so we have to kill the infidels and destroy their churches all over Sudan," read a text message circulated in Khartoum in August. The messages were sent in July and August.
Church leaders in Sudan say they fear increased persecution as they and their congregations have become targets of violence by local Islamists. In addition, according to a Christian source in Khartoum, Muslim extremists arrive in Sudan every two months from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to receive training in secret camps in Khartoum before being sent to different areas of Sudan to preach Islam and destroy church buildings.
On July 18, Muslim extremists attacked the home of Sudanese Anglican Bishop Andudu Adam Elnail in an attempt to kill him and two other priests. All three happened to be outside the house at the time, according to sources. No one was injured, but the assailants left a threatening letter warning of similar attacks. The letter, left on the gate of the bishop's home, states that Sudan is an Islamic country and that the authors are secretly planning to carry out a series of attacks aimed at destroying church buildings across the country. 'Sudan' now refers to the northern part of the formerly unified Sudan following the creation of South Sudan as an independent state. Christian sources in Khartoum say they are taking the threats seriously. "These people are not joking - they can kill any Christian," said a church leader who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Source: Compass Direct
