Sudanese Pastor Reportedly Executed as War Continues to Threaten Christian Communities

Christian communities in Sudan's Nuba Mountains are facing severe danger as the country's civil war continues.

International Christian Concern reported that Rev. Adil Idris Jangoul, a pastor with the Sudanese Episcopal Church, was arrested at his church residence in Heban on July 23.

His body was later reportedly discovered alongside six other members of the Otoro community. ICC described the deaths as extrajudicial executions and attributed the arrests to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North.

Another attack in Heban reportedly killed at least 10 people and resulted in more than 20 people being taken hostage. Among those reportedly captured was Rev. Yakoub Brahim Tia, a former general secretary of the Sudanese Church of Christ. He was later released.

Days later, another church leader, Zakaria Suliman Jana, was reportedly abducted.

The danger extends beyond individual Christians. ICC reported that at least 165 churches have been forced to close since the war began in April 2023, with churches being bombed, looted, occupied or destroyed.

Sudan's situation is particularly complicated because the persecution is taking place within a broader civil war involving competing armed forces.