STOP THE PERSECUTION

By Nick Kerr*

A delegation from Australia's churches to Sudan has called for an end to the racial, economic and religious persecution in southern Sudan.

The delegation, from the National Council of Churches in Australia, was led by Anglican, Archbishop Ian George, of Adelaide. It was the first delegation from Australian churches to Sudan.

There has been a civil war in Sudan for 19 years. The National Islamic Front government, based in Khartoum, is carrying out a jihad (holy war) against the southerners, who are Christians or animists (followers of traditional religions).

In spite of the persecution, the number of Christians in Sudan is rising dramatically.

The churches estimate that six million people are displaced within Sudan. Many more are refugees in other countries, including Australia. About three million people have died because of the war.

"The churches of Sudan have asked us to tell the world that their people are being persecuted on three fronts," Archbishop George said.

"This persecution is racial, economic and religious.

"The African people of southern Sudan told us the Arab National Islamic Front government, which is based in Khartoum, in the north, is trying to exterminate them or, at the very least, drive them from their land.

"The south is rich in natural resources. Oil from the south is being pumped to the north. The income from the oil is allowing the government to buy arms to fight the people of the south. It is estimated that the government is spending between two and three million US dollars a day on the war.

"The people of the south are largely Christian or animists. The Government of Sudan is carrying out a campaign to Islamicise and Arabise them. It is carrying out a jihad (holy war) against the Christians and wants to bring the whole country under Islamic sharia law."

Archbishop George said the Australian delegation visited churches, displaced people, and refugees, some of them close to the front line. They also visited the world's largest hospital for war victims.

"We saw and heard some horrific things," he said.

"We expected to find a people cowed by war. Instead we found a people who are fighting for survival -- but preparing for the future. The liberation army has held many areas for 10 years.

"What does distress them is that the outside world knows so little of what is going on.

"There are many problems - including famine, disease, inadequate humanitarian aid and shattered lives. The only way to overcome them is a just and lasting peace.

"We were thanked many times for the way Australia is receiving refugees from southern Sudan. The people of southern Sudan believe that refugees are being treated better in Australia than in any other country of the world.

"The churches also asked us to encourage the Australian Government to do whatever it can to increase international pressure on the north to bring about peace."

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*Nicholas Kerr, the editor of the Uniting Church in Australia's "New Times" in Adelaide, was a member of the NCCA delegation.

* A selection of pictures by Nicholas Kerr will be on the South Australia Uniting Church synod web page on Monday and can be accessed on http://www.sa.uca.org.au/pages/resources/re_hiddengallery