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Christians in Khartoum are battling to keep their only official cemetery in the city from the clutches of market stallholders and second-hand car salesmen.

Half of the 1.6-hectare plot in the Sudanese capital has been used as a graveyard – and officially the other half cannot be used for the same purpose until the first half is full. This was the agreement made with former vice-president Abel Alier when he donated the land to the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) in 1975.

Now the first half of the plot has almost reached full capacity – but, since last November, the other half has been occupied by intruders. Christian Today reports that a livestock market was set up in the graveyard – until it was moved on, following protests by the SCC leadership. Now the plot, which the church views as holy ground, is full of used cars.

An international ecumenical delegation led by the World Council of Churches raised the issue with government ministers during a recent visit and were given assurances that the 'illegal occupation' of the cemetery would be dealt with.

Christian leaders insist the authorities need to do more generally to protect Christians' religious rights in the capital, which is under Sharia law. 'God has not stopped people from dying and they need to be buried,' said Rev Peter Tibi, General Secretary of the SCC.

• Pray that intruders will soon be moved from Khartoum's only Christian graveyard.
• Pray that the Muslim authorities in Khartoum will do more to protect the religious rights of Christians living under Sharia law in the city.

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