“Remember the Sudanese people in your personal prayers and in your Sunday service intercessions”
Justice & Advocacy
“Despite what people may read or hear in the media, the war in Sudan is not about religion. In 2021 when my Anglican priest father was murdered — at a time when the unrest, that led to the war, started — Muslims and Christians gathered for his funeral. My priest father was beloved by the whole community. The war is about resources — about access to gold and oil,” says The Rev’d Rebecca King
Please be aware that this reflection may be distressing for some readers.
It has been more than a year since war broke out in Sudan between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A recent World Council of Churches “Statement on Ecumenical Solidarity with Sudan” explains that:
“As reported by the United Nations, there have been more than 15,500 deaths and over 1,400 violent events targeting civilians across the country since the war began. The conflict has resulted in extensive damage to critical infrastructure and facilities, as well as large-scale displacement. Approximately 8.8 million people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety within and outside Sudan. Together with the 3.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) from past internal conflict, Sudan faces the largest internal displacement crisis in the world and the most significant child displacement crisis, with more than 3 million children displaced inside and outside the country.”
In the last month alone, hundreds of people have died of dehydration and starvation while fleeing, especially to Egypt. The mother of one of my parishioners died of dehydration and starvation less than two weeks ago. And, the sister of another one of my parishioners also died of dehydration and starvation three weeks ago.
There have also been widespread reports of rapes. Rape is being used as a weapon of war. Girls, as young as 13, and elderly women are being raped in front of their family members to destroy morale and keep civilians compliant.
In our daily lives here, we are living with extreme levels of trauma. I have terrible guilt living here in freedom and safety when my family and other loved ones are living in constant terror. My heart is torn between the people I minister to here in Brisbane and my people in Sudan. As a priest, my heart breaks for my people in Sudan. I was born and raised there. I have many family members suffering greatly there.
I feel guilty looking at even a $20 note and thinking about how my family in Sudan has nothing to drink and eat. Financially, our families in Sudan depend on us. It often takes several days for the money to reach them, which is stressful because we know they are starving while they wait.
Despite what people may read or hear in the media, the war in Sudan is not about religion. In 2021 when my Anglican priest father was murdered — at a time when the unrest, that led to the war, started — Muslims and Christians gathered for his funeral. My priest father was beloved by the whole community.
The war is about resources — about access to gold and oil.
And, like many countries in Africa, the long-term impacts of British colonisation continue in Sudan.
I ask anglican focus readers to remember the Sudanese people in your personal prayers and in your Sunday service intercessions, so what’s happening in Sudan does not become a “forgotten war”. If possible, please take up a collection or donate personally for the thousands left homeless in Sudan by contacting the treasurer for The Parish of Yeronga, James Stephen via yeronga.treasurer@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.
Editor’s note: If you are in immediate danger, phone Triple Zero (000) or go to the emergency department at your local hospital.
If you have recently experienced sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, get yourself to a safe place as soon as possible and:
- phone the police and/or ambulance on Triple Zero (000)
- go to the emergency department at your local hospital
- phone the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 (7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days a week).
Please visit the Queensland Government website for more information.
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