Sudan is ranked as one of the top five countries in which Christians face the most significant persecution. The war-torn country has been named “A Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. State Department since 1999 due to the persecution of Christians and widespread human rights issues.

After South Sudan seceded in 2011 after one of Africa’s most protracted civil wars lasting from 1983 to 2005, the persecution of Christians remaining in Sudan became more intense as the majority now lived within the newly formed country. With relatively few Christians remaining in Sudan, those few remaining Christians and churches came under the more focused oppression of other ethnic groups.

In 2013 the Sudanese Ministry of Guidance and Endowments indicated that it would no longer issue licenses for building new Christian churches due to few Christians remaining in Sudan. The majority of the Christian population in former Sudan now live in South Sudan

In August of this year, the moderator of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, Rev. Yahia Abdelrahim Nalu, and another pastor were evicted from their homes which are owned by the churches they pastor.

Both pastors and their families, including three children age 10 and younger have been homeless pending an appeal of their eviction.

Now an Islamist judge has rejected the pastors’ appeals, ruling that “All appeals presented are rejected, and implantation of the court order should continue.”

More than 60 other Christian pastors and church leaders are facing court proceedings in which they face the potential loss of their church properties.

It appears that the evictions have been initiated by a Muslim businessman who is allegedly determined to demolish the buildings.

Past Nalu has requested prayers from everyone.

Credits: Morning Star News, Voice of America, CIA World Factbook